Is Josh Norman going to be slinging more wideouts or lattes in 2023?
With the Carolina Panthers packing it in for the season, the 35-year-old cornerback spoke with reporters at his locker on Monday. When asked how he felt after playing every one of the defensive snaps in the Week 18 win over the New Orleans Saints, he kept it real.
“Ran over,” he said jokingly. “Like a Mack truck hit me or something.”
Norman was hit early on by Saints rookie wideout Chris Olave, who dusted the veteran on a pair of catches for 32 yards and a touchdown on the very first drive of the afternoon. But Norman and the Carolina defense would tighten up, allowing zero points the rest of the way out in the 10-7 triumph.
So, does the former All-Pro corner think he has it in him for a return next season?
Panthers cleaning out lockers today for the last time this year.
Josh Norman asked if he still wants to play next year.
“I know I still can.”
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) January 9, 2023
He then gave his thoughts about his connection with the Panthers’ current defensive backs and how he could help in the future to Carolina Blitz’s Vashti Hurt.
“These guys—they are truly athletic, they have extreme talents,” he said. “They’re only two, four years in the league. So young still, into the maturity level. But at the same time, the talents are off the charts. So I kinda know the game a bit more than they would and give them that knowledge that I got. For their growth, it definitely would help.
“But again, it’s an 18-game season. It’s kinda crazy. But again, anything I could do, obviously. No matter what I’d be or what I’m doing, I’m always gonna be tapped into those guys.”
I asked Josh Norman how he feels after significant playing time yesterday. His reply…
“Ran Over”
I also asked if he would like to return next season…that answer was a little lengthier. pic.twitter.com/1Lzd2Aautu
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) January 9, 2023
But, until then, it’s back to the coffee grind.
