The Carolina Panthers have secured veteran long snapper JJ Jansen for another year, bringing the 40-year-old back for what will be his 18th campaign with the franchise. The team announced the one-year agreement on Tuesday, though contract details remain undisclosed.
Since arriving in Carolina back in 2009, Jansen has established himself as a franchise cornerstone, appearing in a team-record 277 games. His durability puts him well ahead of the next-closest player in team history – former kicker John Kasay, who suited up for 221 regular-season contests during his Panthers tenure from 1995 to 2010.
Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith couldn’t help but marvel at Jansen’s longevity when discussing the veteran late last season. “He’s everlasting,” Smith said with a laugh. “He can do this for as long as he wants to. He’s everlasting. There’s no proof that he’s not a robot. Nobody knows that he is not AI. We’re just going forward to the end of time, as far as I’m concerned.”
Carolina obtained Jansen through a trade with Green Bay in 2009, although he never actually took the field for the Packers. His consistent excellence earned him Pro Bowl recognition in 2013, highlighting his status among the NFL’s elite at his position.
