Here at Cat Scratch Reader we have counted down the final 100 days leading up to the Carolina Panthers season opener by for at least the past ten years. We’ve always done this by highlighting the current player on the roster whose jersey number matches the day on the countdown. This year, we decided to change that up a bit by counting down our own list of the Top 100 Panthers of all time. This does not correspond to jersey number, does not need to be somebody who wore a jersey, and will in no way be controversial.
It’s the 4th of July, and you’re expressing your patriotism by going to a sports blog to read about the 71st best Carolina Panther of all time. I see you, and I salute you.
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Today’s spot goes to Chris Terry, our second straight offensive tackle entry, just one spot ahead of Blake Brockermeyer. He was taken in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft, shortly after the departure of the aforementioned Brockermeyer. He slotted in as the team’s starting right tackle, displacing the incumbent Norbert Davidds-Garrido. He did well there, ranking as tied for the team’s fourth best player according to Pro Football Reference’s Approximate Value metric. He was part of a strong offensive line that protected Steve Beuerlein, who set the franchise record with 4,436 passing yards and 36 passing touchdowns, marks that still stand today somehow.
Terry’s career with the Panthers unfortunately peaked in that rookie year. His effectiveness dwindled a bit, though he still started all but one game for the rest of his Panthers tenure. He was released 10 games into the 2002 season after failing to appear for a court date. It seems based on quotes from general manager Marty Hurney that that was just one of a series of issues between the team and player during a very toxic time in Panthers history. He was let go and immediately went on to sign with the Seahawks,
While Terry’s career in Carolina came to a tumultuous end, he will be forever etched in the team’s history as part of one of the best offenses this franchise has ever had. That puts him number 71 on the list of best Panthers of all time.
