CHARLOTTE – Chase Blackburn has been preparing for this moment for a long time.
The former Panthers linebacker who played 10 NFL seasons was never sure how long his playing career would last. But all along, he knew what he wanted do after retirement.
"Honestly, before I even knew I had a playing career, I wanted to coach," Blackburn said. "I went to school to be a teacher and a coach. From that point forward, even when I was playing, I wanted to be prepared in that manner so I knew I could transition when I was done and have an opportunity.