Panthers' Taylor Moton remains emotional over evolving leadership qualities originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Carolina Panthers right tackle entered his ninth training camp last summer on an expiring contract. Moton revealed his emotions, coming to terms with the fact that he soon could be separated from the first and only NFL franchise he's known.
"I know I have another contract in me," he said after practice last July 30. "I know I have more good football in me."
The 2017 second-round selection was right, registering the second-best rating of his nine-year career. Moton posted an 80.5 overall offensive grade, which ranked No. 15 among 89 qualified offensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
In 901 snaps, Moton yielded 22 total pressures, three sacks and four quarterback hits. He was called for five penalties.
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan rewarded Moton with another contract, a two-year, $44 million deal that could take the veteran into his age-33 season.
Taking time away from offseason workouts at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, Moton spoke via teleconference about his and the Panthers' future.
"Retirement's not on my mind right now," Moton said. "Ultimately, I feel great running around with all the young guys. I feel like I'm young. I feel like I'm moving well and I'm feeling like I'm still in my prime.
"I don't feel like I'm slowing down."
Moton's responsibilities continue to grow as a player and locker-room leader.
With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu out with a knee injury, the Panthers signed free agent Rasheed Walker and drafted Monroe Freeling with the No. 19 overall pick last Thursday.
He said he's ready to help mentor the newcomers.
"That's part of the growth, being a team leader, finding ways to get guys whree they wanna go and get them there," Moton said.
Moton recalled mentoring 2022 No. 6 overall pick Ekwonu when he was a 26-year-old player.
Now, at 31, Moton admitted his leadership values have matured.
"There are things where I feel like you grow in different aspects, especially being a leader," said Moton, who has missed only four of 132 NFL games.
Chuba Hubbard, who claimed the microphone after Moton, called his teammate: "Like a one of one player. Like the ultimate professional.
"So, if we had one thousand T-Mos, I'd say we'd be in a good spot."