Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
On the Monday after a recent loss, Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt held a group of players captivated by his locker. The 6-foot-6, 323-pound lineman, who signed a five-year, $100-million deal in the offseason, wasn’t talking about football. He was telling a life story, one of many that make him the heart of the Panthers’ locker room.
A Locker Room Favorite
Rookie center Andrew Raym, whose locker is next to Hunt’s, couldn’t hide his admiration.
“Robert is probably the greatest personality we have in here,” Raym said. “He’s nothing but love, nothing but happiness all the time. People love talking to him. He’s always got a smile on his face, always has something funny to say.
“It’s always about us and hanging out with the crew.”
Hunt’s vibrant personality has been a stabilizing force for the Panthers during a challenging 4-12 season. His leadership has helped young players like Raym and veterans like left tackle Ikem Ekwonu stay motivated through struggles.
On-Field Impact
Hunt’s arrival significantly improved the Panthers’ offensive line, which had been a major concern. Last season, quarterback Bryce Young was sacked an NFL-high 62 times. This year, that number has dropped to 24, thanks in large part to Hunt’s presence.
“He loves the game,” said do-it-all lineman Brady Christensen. “You can tell by the way he plays, that energy and excitement. And we feed off of him. He’s one of the best guards in the NFL.”
While Hunt has been dominant in the run game, there’s room for improvement in pass protection. The Panthers’ offensive line ranks last in pass block win rate, holding blocks for 2.5 seconds just 51% of the time. Hunt ranks 44th out of 64 guards in pass block win rate, a decline from his 2023 performance with the Miami Dolphins when he had the lowest pressure rate (1.3%) among guards.
Ekwonu, the team’s left tackle, also ranks near the bottom in pass and run block win rate. Upgrades in the offseason, particularly at left tackle, could further solidify the line.
Leadership Beyond the Field
Hunt’s energy extends beyond his play. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik praised his infectious enthusiasm, highlighting moments like Hunt celebrating downfield in Las Vegas or during Chuba Hubbard’s big runs in Germany.
“His energy,” Brad Idzik said. “It’s infectious. The plays you see, like [at Las] Vegas where he’s celebrating downfield … in Germany he’s celebrating when Chuba is breaking free, that’s infectious.
“You feel that in practice every day. He’s just loose and playing confident. … And your personality comes through on tape.”
Quarterback Bryce Young echoed the sentiment.
“He represents somebody we want to be as an offense,” he said. “And he’s super cool to be around, funny to talk to.”
“You can definitely see the non-verbal, the intensity he has, coming back saying little things like, ‘Let’s finish this,”’ Young said. “We all feel that energy, that intensity. We all play off that.”
A Storyteller and Mentor
Off the field, Hunt is known for his storytelling. Whether after a win or loss, he’s the same jovial presence, lifting spirits and keeping the team grounded.
“I’m a good storyteller,” Hunt said with a grin. “I make you interested, reel you up, and then I give you the punchline. It may not be a good one, but I get you excited for it.”
Hunt’s work ethic, however, is what inspires his teammates the most.
“Being a dawg, being hungry in the run game, just working no matter what—that’s Rob,” said Hubbard, the NFL’s seventh-leading rusher with 1,195 yards.
Ekwonu added, “That’s a little less obvious on the field, but it’s definitely cherished in the locker room. “He definitely keeps it light, and that’s always good. But he flips that switch when he’s on the field. It’s fun to watch.”
No Regrets
After the Dolphins made an offer Hunt felt undervalued his talent, he entered free agency. The Panthers moved quickly to sign him, addressing a glaring need after their guard-center combination allowed 35 sacks last season.
Now 28, Hunt embraces his role as a veteran mentor and locker-room leader. He’s optimistic about the team’s future with Young developing into a franchise quarterback, but he remains focused on staying true to himself.
“When I came here, I called one of my good friends that I look up to as a mentor,” Hunt said. “He’s like, ‘Just be you.’ And that’s what I’ve always done. If people gravitate to me, they do. If somebody thinks I’m some kind of different cat, they can think that.
“But I’m gonna be me ’til the day I die.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
