4 Carolina Panthers that could retire after the 2022 season
By Dean Jones
J.J. Jansen – Carolina Panthers LS
This season was a memorable one for J.J. Jansen. The long-snapper broke John Kasey’s record of games played in franchise history, which was richly deserving for one of the core leaders within the locker room.
Jansen’s stint with the Carolina Panthers was in some jeopardy when Matt Rhule called the shots. The organization drafted his heir apparent in Thomas Fletcher, but this lit a fire under the former Notre Dame college star en route to comfortably beating out the rookie in training camp.
The consistency remains on point from Jansen. Certainly enough to suggest another one-year deal when the time comes this spring is within reach.
However, now that Jansen’s broken Carolina’s all-time appearance record, retiring after a glittering career that’s spanned 14 years and 225 games to date cannot be ruled out.
If Jansen does decide to walk away, he can leave with his head held high. The last of his breed from the glory days that cemented the ethos that interim head coach Steve Wilks is restoring in the immediate aftermath of Rhule’s dismissal.
Of course, Wilks could convince Jansen for one last ride if he gets the head coaching gig beyond 2022. Something that would be difficult to turn down given the player’s deep connection to the organization.