We’re counting down the days until the Panthers kick off the 2021 season.
We’re 21 days away from the Carolina Panthers 2021 season opener, so today’s countdown piece is devoted to No. 21 on the roster — safety Jeremy Chinn
There’s high hopes in the Charlotte air this time of year because of the play of young Jeremy Chinn last season.
Only two other teammates were on the field for more defensive plays last season, his first in the NFL (Tre Boston and Shaq Thompson). Chinn played 91% of all defensive snaps, made 116 tackles, two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His body of work was good enough to earn a nod on the PFWA All-Rookie Team for 2020.
Chinn enters this season with an improved defense around him, with the likes of A.J. Bouye and rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn in the defensive backfield alone. Haason Reddick joins the pass rush while Denzel Perryman adds depth to the linebacking core.
Hometown kid Jeremy Chinn taking some time to sign autographs and give out high fives before practice. Plenty of Chinn jerseys in the stands. One fan said, “Sorry for bringing a crowd, but we love you.” pic.twitter.com/ZYUGGWKQKN
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 13, 2021
Per the Charlotte Observer, the former second-round pick grew up in Fishers, Indiana, about a 20-minute drive from where the Colts hold the team’s training camp practices. He attended Fishers High School and was an All-State honoree, playing both defensive back and running back.
The 23-year-old is also the nephew of former Denver Broncos Hall of Fame free safety Steve Atwater.
Fellow safety Juston Burris cited Chinn as one of the leaders of the backfield, noted the Observer.
“Last year, I kind of fell into the role on accident, just playing so much,” Chinn told the newspaper. “The older guys kind of looking at me, the way I played, I just kinda was given that type of role. Now I’m really starting to embrace it and enjoy it. I’m definitely growing and learning in that area.”
Chinn also told the Observer that he doesn’t feel he’s getting the respect he deserves:
“I feel like I’m definitely not getting, not the respect that I deserve, but I’m not getting the respect that I want, in the league, just around the NFL,” Chinn said. “I guess the people around the NFL, I know there’s a lot that I need to put in for me to get the respect that I want. I’m willing to do all of it.”
This could be the season that Chinn does just that.
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