NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Countdown to Kickoff: Profile on Carolina Panthers No. 35 Mike Tolbert

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Mike Tolbert (35) runs the ball in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Mike Tolbert (35) runs the ball in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Countdown to Kickoff series continues on with a profile on Carolina Panthers No. 35 Mike Tolbert.

There are exactly 35 days until the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers open up the 2016 NFL regular season with a Super Bowl rematch. In the meantime, we at NFL Spin Zone are going to profile a player each day as we countdown the days to kickoff.

Related Story: Predicting Panthers’ 5 Most Surprising Roster Cuts

A few months ago, we began by previewing the rookie defensive end of the San Diego Chargers in Joey Bosa (No. 99).. On Wednesday, it was Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Su’a Cravens.

There are a couple of Pro Football Hall of Famers who wore the No. 35 that are certainly worth mentioning. Defensive back Aeneas Williams was all over the field during his days with the Arizona Cardinals and then the St. Louis Rams. He totaled 55 interceptions and took nine of those thefts back for scores. Old school running back John Henry Johnson rushed for a combined 6,803 yards and 48 scores in his days with the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Oilers.

May 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) and fullback David Johnson (47) talk at Carolina Panthers practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) and fullback David Johnson (47) talk at Carolina Panthers practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Here we will highlight another runner known for his versatility. Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert can do a lot of different things and was a big part of a team that totaled more rushing plays than any other club in the NFL in 2015. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 14th-best player at his position last season and helped the eventual NFC champions finish second in the league in rushing.

A former undrafted free agent signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2008, Tolbert will begin his fifth season in Carolina. His four years with the Bolts were solid, totaling 2,422 yards from scrimmage and 26 scores. And in his four seasons with the Panthers and the former Coastal Carolina product has racked up 3,999 scrimmage yards and 44 touchdowns. Tolbert has also been named to the Pro Bowl two of the past three seasons and is also one of the best pass-blocking fullbacks in the league.

More nfl spin zone: Carolina Panthers Preliminary Offensive Breakdown

With a backfield that includes Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker, as well as on-the-move quarterback Cam Newton, the veteran fullback has plenty of responsibility. In 2015, he finished third on the team with 256 yards rushing (1 touchdown). And three of his 18 receptions went for scores.

The Panthers will be right in the thick of the Super Bowl discussion again this season. And Tolbert is a vital part of this team’s offensive success.

Home/Carolina Panthers