Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu has a well-documented past as an on-stage performer, specifically in musical theater. The 21-year-old hog molly—dating back to his middle and high school days—has picked up credits in classics such as The Jungle Book, The Aristocats and 101 Dalmatians.
Now, his latest work has come under spotlight of training camp, at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
Following Thursday’s practice, Ekwonu told reporters that his teammates requested a private concert—as a bit of rookie initiation. And according to the artist himself, it was a phenomenal performance.
“I did have to sing,” Ekwonu said with an ear-to-ear smile. “I had to sing ‘It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye [to Yesterday]’ by Boyz II Men. Got some applause, so I feel like I killed it.”
But was it worthy of a standing ovation . . . ?
“Maybe someone was back there standing,” he added. “I was just trying to get off stage if I’m being real with you.”
Encore or not, Ekwonu continued to impress on his main stage—the football field. He continued taking reps behind second-year lineman Brady Christensen on the blindside, working his way into the left tackle position.
And although he is set to embark on his NFL career, it’s still safe to say that his singing career has yet to come to the end of the road.