North Charlotte Today

Caleb Farley, a former first-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, has joined the Carolina Panthers practice squad. The move brings him closer to his hometown of Maiden, North Carolina. During a recent workout with the Panthers, Farley was given a T-shirt bearing the number 31, which holds sentimental value as it was worn by his late father, Robert Farley, during his high school football days.

"Just little things like that, not to make it too big, but it's kind of like a pleasant delight in your heart," Farley expressed. He added that he aims to work hard and earn respect within the team.

Farley's father passed away last year in an explosion at Lake Norman. To honor his parents' memory, Farley wears a medallion featuring their image from his high school senior night photo. Despite past injuries limiting him to 12 games over three years with the Titans, Farley is optimistic about reviving his NFL career close to home.

"I try not to put too much pressure on myself because I know how this business is," he stated. "Everything is earned; nothing is ever given."

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero praised Farley's physical abilities and potential despite previous setbacks due to injuries. "He has great physical ability... there's a reason that he was drafted in the first round," Evero said.

Meanwhile, the Panthers' offensive line has seen improvements following significant investments in free agency. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin credited new additions Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis for setting a positive tone for the team.

"Everything we know as far as football, I feel like the offensive line is the foundation of the team," Goodwin remarked.

In other news from the Panthers camp, linebacker Shaq Thompson's position coach Pete Hansen empathizes with Thompson's injury struggles after suffering an Achilles tear himself during offseason training activities.

"I was talking with Shaq and said, hey, I didn't realize this was contagious," Hansen joked about their shared experience.

Hansen noted that recovery is gradual but remains hopeful about progress: "I'm slowly getting better... it's frustrating but also I remind myself to see the progress."