Channel 9 Special: Draft Countdown

DETROIT — The NFL draft is a life-changing moment for so many talented local athletes.

It wasn’t too long ago they were in the Carolinas dominating fields on Friday nights. Now, they’re stepping up to the game’s highest level.

In special Channel 9 shows, we’ve highlighted the sacrifices made, the adversities overcome, and those who helped them most on their journeys to the NFL.

Some of that talent might stay close to home to help the Carolina Panthers, as they attempt to rise from the ashes of one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

On April 24 and 25, Channel 9 previewed the draft live from Detroit. We talked about how Carolina can make the biggest impact with a brand-new coaching staff and a retooled defense.

In case you missed it, here are the stories we shared Wednesday:

• West Meck grad overcomes rejection, heads to NFL draft
• Former Panthers player trains next generation of athletes
• Former Richmond High RB talks about NFL career
• NC native’s journey to become 1st Black woman to be NFL full-time coach
• UNC standout, CMS grad Drake Maye looks ahead to NFL draft
• Coaches recall Panthers’ Jadeveon Clowney’s days playing high school ball

Here are the stories we shared Thursday:

• Ahead of NFL draft, former Mallard Creek standout leads with production
• Family says Ardrey Kell HS grad Cedric Gray ‘took to football like oh, my Lord’
• Drake Maye’s dad talks coaching son, Sam Hartman in youth football
• Overlooked and underestimated, Weddington grad, mom used doubt as fuel
• ‘Shred Shed’: Clemson star Shipley working to prove he’s cut out for NFL
• West Charlotte native Tez Walker talks adversity faced in journey to the NFL draft

(WATCH BELOW: UNC’s QB Drake Maye to enter NFL draft)

UNC’s QB Drake Maye to enter NFL draft

©2024 Cox Media Group