Two years ago, in the midst of a disappointing 6-10 Carolina Panthers season, a reserve offensive lineman shined the brightest. Following injuries to veteran center and captain Ryan Kalil, in addition to his backup Gino Gradkowski, the team turned to Tyler Larsen.
The former undrafted Utah State center who had spent time with two NFL teams prior to landing in Carolina, took to the field and has never looked back. Larsen filled in admirably for both and played his way into a one-year contract after being activated from the practice squad.
That contract was renewed this spring for another year and Larsen may be setting himself up for a significant payday next offseason.