Robby Anderson: Carolina Panthers feels like 'my dream' situation
Robby Anderson had a career year last season, reaching new heights with the Carolina Panthers. Looking to build upon his first thousand-yard season, Anderson agreed to a two-year extension with the franchise on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“This is ideally (who) I want to be with for my future,” Anderson said after Tuesday’s practice, per The Charlotte Observer. “Since I came here it felt like I was finally in my dream.
“I feel the focus of the team, and what we’re working toward. I want to have that security to know I’m here for the long run, so I can commit to it fully. And the coaches, the organization, the city, I just genuinely love being here.”
After showing his capabilities with the New York Jets, Anderson signed with the Panthers prior to the 2020 season. Moreover, a driving factor in his decision was the team’s head coach, Matt Rhule.
Robby Anderson and Matt Rhule
The duo goes back to the days where Rhule was Anderson’s coach at Temple University. At the time, the head coach went to bat for his player, doing everything he could to help Anderson through troubles unrelated to the football field.
“He [Rhule] stood on the table with the university to get me back into school, to open up that door for me to rewrite my wrongs to get me in the position I’m in today,” Anderson said when he originally signed with the Panthers, per SI.com.
After making it to the professional level, Anderson decided to reunite with Rhule when the head coach accepted the Panthers’ head coaching position.
“I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Coach Rhule making things happen, I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today,” stated Anderson.
Following Anderson proving him right yet again, Rhule spoke about the decision to extend his wide receiver.
“We think Robby is an outstanding player,” Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Tuesday. “Had a 1,000-yard season, doing things the right way. A chance for us to lock him up for several years. Excited for that opportunity.
“We think he’s going to be a vital part of our offense.”
“Everybody has been like, celebrating with me.”
While Rhule is giddy, so are the rest of the Carolina Panthers. After losing Curtis Samuel to the Washington Football Team, keeping Anderson as part of an offense was vital. He joins DJ Moore, Christian McCaffrey and Sam Darnold in a sneaky good group.
“Everybody on the team — DJ (Moore) came up hugged me,” Anderson said. “Everybody has been like celebrating with me, so it feels good. But I haven’t really even enjoyed the moment yet because I was focused on practice because that’s what comes first. But I think when I come home and reflect, I think I’ll cherish and really feel the moment.”
While Robby Anderson’s story is one with many twist and turns, Matt Rhule has been a constant. Now, Anderson gets to live inside his dream with the Carolina Panthers.