CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have officially cut ties with Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Bradley Bozeman.
The Panthers announced the move on Wednesday shortly after the 2024 NFL league year began. Tight end Hayden Hurst and safety Vonn Bell were also released at the same time.
Bozeman played center with the Panthers in 2022 and 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite for his work in the community.
During his two seasons, Bozeman educated kids around Charlotte about the dangers of bullying, hosted charity Halloween parties, and did countless work with his foundation with Nikki Bozeman, his wife. Bozeman was nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year for the 2023 season.
On the field, Bozeman was a reliable lineman who played every snap in 2023 even as the Panthers saw over a dozen players shuffled around as guards and tackles around him.
Carolina has been active in switching up its offensive line in free agency. The Panthers have signed guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to improve the position.
In 2023, blocking was a major problem for the Panthers. The team allowed the second-most sacks in the league.
Hurst and Bell each played just one season with the Panthers. Hurst caught just 18 passes and one touchdown in 2023 but had his season cut short after suffering post-traumatic amnesia following a concussion in a game against the Chicago Bears.
Bell played 13 games with the Panthers in 2023 and had one interception.
This article will be updated.
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