Ross Cockrell was signed by Carolina in the offseason to bolster its defense. The fifth-year pro started all 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2016, registering 62 tackles.
He’s had more than 40 tackles each of the last three season, and even picked off a career-best three passes last year with the New York Giants.
The Panthers knew what Cockrell was going to bring to the team. Some fans will have to wait, though. He broke his leg during training camp and has been on injured reserve all season.
Other fans may have an idea what to expect when Cockrell recovers and makes his way onto the field for the Panthers. He played his college football at Duke. The defensive back was an impact player immediately. He helped the Blue Devils to a program-record 10 wins in his senior season.
If not for football, Cockrell said he’d give baseball a try because “they only work like every nine days, or something like that, and they get the big-time contracts.”
He said he’d play for the New York Mets, if he could choose, because his dad is a fan of the team.
Cockrell also said if there’s one thing he can’t go a week without, it’s his wife, Kia. His favorite family recipe is chicken and rice she makes.