Mike Minter announced his retirement from the NFL and from the Carolina Panthers on August 7, 2007. Due to pain in his knees, Minter decided to leave now rather than playing a final year at less than 100%. He had originally planned to play this one last season, but during training camp realized that the pain would prevent him from playing the way that he had played his whole career.

Minter played at the University of Nebraska, where he started and starred on their national championship team in the mid 90’s. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Draft in 1997 and has remained a Panther throughout his career. He became known for his consistency on the field, rarely missing any games, and known for his wide-open style of play. Any receiver who caught a pass knew when Minter was coming their way; they could feel him bearing down.

Mike Minter was also known for his leadership with the team and for his leadership in the community. Mike is a well-respected member of the Charlotte community and has worked hard to serve his community since his arrival here in 1997. The Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson, fought to hold back the tears at the press conference when Minter retired and those of us who have enjoyed watching him play over the years did the same thing.

Mike Minter played in the Super Bowl with the Panthers, and during the game, broke his foot in the third quarter. Not even a broken foot could stop him from staying in the game and he ended up with 18 tackles for the game. Minter retires with 771 career tackles, the leader in career tackles in the history of the Panthers, 17 interceptions, 4 interception return touchdowns, and 11 sacks. Jake Delhomme, quarterback of the Panthers, said “That’s the one point that needs to be made: this was a man off the field. I’m not talking in a masculine type of way. I’m talking in the fatherly type of way and the civic person he was.�*

Last year, Mike Minter graciously gave us an interview here at Prodigal Son Magazine. In the middle of the day, fresh off a morning workout, he sat down and spoke about his faith and what his plans were after his football career had concluded. He told me that he would be moving into ministry after his playing days were finished and as he spoke, his eyes sparkled with excitement about sharing his faith in a new way. Mike’s career on the football field has now ended, but his message is just beginning.

*- Quote taken from - http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2964793.

Send This To A Friend