North Charlotte Today

Raheem Blackshear is set to make a return to the Carolina Panthers for the new NFL season after signing a new contract. Known for his dual role as a running back and return specialist, Blackshear expressed eagerness to test a new NFL rule that moves kickoff touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.

"Right now, I'm about to actually go catch," Blackshear said. "So (I'm) going to see how it plays out."

The league's earlier decision to place touchbacks at the 30-yard line positively influenced return rates last season. Blackshear ranked number two in the league, achieving 791 total return yards with an average of 25.5 yards per return. Despite this, 64.3 percent of kickoffs still resulted in touchbacks. Blackshear is hopeful the adjustment will give him more chances to return the ball.

"I finally get a chance to bring the ball a lot more, so I'm excited for the rule," Blackshear commented. "I feel like it makes a significant difference, just moving the ball back a little bit more so we try to get the kick return in play."

The Panthers retaining their entire coaching staff for another season is another reason for Blackshear's optimism. It marks the first time in his four-year NFL career that this has happened. He is looking forward to collaborating with special teams assistant Daren Bates.

"I'm excited to get to work with (special teams assistant) Daren Bates again," he said. "I've been working on returns, kick returns to get better at it, so I'm excited."

The retention of safety and special teams ace Nick Scott also aids efforts in special teams protection. Blackshear spoke warmly about Scott, highlighting their friendship.

"Nick Scott is a really good friend of mine, so it's awesome to have a guy like that," Blackshear said. "As soon as I signed, he called me and said, 'Man, I can't wait to get back with you.'"

Outside of football, Blackshear is preparing for a personal milestone: his upcoming wedding, set to take place in New Jersey. Key teammates like Chuba Hubbard are expected to attend.

"Well, one month now. I'm getting married in New Jersey," Blackshear revealed. "Having those guys there is vital to Blackshear as he moves into the next phase of his life with a wedding and new contract with the ones who helped him get here in the first place."

As he steps into new personal and professional chapters, Blackshear sees the Panthers as his long-term home. He praises the team's fan base and expresses gratitude for the support he and his family have received.

"This is a place I want to spend my years at, this is a great place to be at, and I feel like it doesn't get no better than North Carolina," he said.