Transcript: Panthers Head Coach Press Conference

How quickly can you tell if a young player is a football player if he thinks about it because it seems like at the Combine they’re all saying the right thing and it’s the job. How quickly does it take?

Identifying a true football player goes beyond just what they say at the Combine. Sure, everyone’s putting their best foot forward there, but the real test comes when they hit the field. You can usually tell pretty quickly if a player has that "it" factor. The way they carry themselves, how they handle pressure, and their reaction to real game situations all give you a good indication. It’s often within the first few practices that you see who’s just talking the talk and who’s actually walking the walk.

One of the first things I look for is their level of dedication and how they approach learning. Are they eager to improve, willing to take coaching, and do they show resilience when faced with challenges? These traits are often visible right from the start. Players who are truly committed to the sport stand out because they put in the extra effort, not just in games, but in every practice and even in the film room. It’s that consistent drive that separates the genuine players from the rest.

Another key aspect is how they interact with their teammates. Football is a team sport, and seeing how a young player fits into the team dynamic is crucial. Do they uplift their teammates? Are they supportive and do they contribute to a positive team environment? These are the intangibles that might not show up in stats but are essential for long-term success. So, while the Combine is a good starting point, it’s the day-to-day grind where you truly see who’s made for this game.

I want to ask you about the receiver position in general. How have you seen that position evolve in importance over the years and how does having a player like WR Jurrion Dickey sort of factor into that perspective?

The receiver position has definitely evolved over the years, becoming one of the most dynamic and crucial roles on the field. With the game leaning more towards high-octane passing offenses, having elite receivers is almost a necessity now. We've moved from a run-first mentality to a more balanced or even pass-heavy approach, and receivers are right at the heart of that transformation. Their ability to stretch the field, make clutch catches, and turn short plays into big gains has reshaped offensive strategies across the league.

Having a player like Jurrion Dickey amplifies this evolution even further. Jurrion is a game-changer, plain and simple. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability makes him a nightmare for defenses. Last season, despite missing a few games due to injury, he led the league in receiving touchdowns and was among the top in receiving yards. He’s not just a receiver; he’s a weapon. His presence on the field forces defenses to adjust their game plans, which opens up opportunities for the rest of our offense.

Moreover, Jurrion’s work ethic and leadership set a high standard for our team. He’s constantly pushing himself and his teammates to get better, which is exactly what you want from a top receiver. His ability to make plays and his dedication off the field exemplify how the receiver position has become a cornerstone of modern football. Having someone like Jurrion on our roster not only elevates our offense but also sets a benchmark for what we expect from our players.

How do you see the competition level in the NFC South currently?

The NFC South is wide open right now. We had three teams make the playoffs last year, which shows just how competitive the division is. Every game feels like a playoff game because the stakes are always high, and you can't afford to take a week off. Each team has its strengths, and there’s no clear-cut favorite, making every matchup exciting and unpredictable.

Let's talk about the Saints for a moment. They've got a new coach after their Super Bowl-winning coach retired. The official story is he retired due to stress and a sudden onset of gray hair, but I have my theories. Maybe he saw what season 5 JT was cooking and decided it was better to bow out gracefully than face the embarrassment on the field. It's all in good fun, of course, but seriously, a coaching change can shake things up significantly, and it'll be interesting to see how they adjust.

The competition in our division is fierce, but that’s what makes it great. Every team is capable of winning on any given Sunday, and that pushes us all to be better. We thrive on this challenge, and it forces us to stay sharp and innovative. It’s anyone’s game, and that level of competition is what keeps us motivated and striving for excellence.