Jimmy Horn Jr., the Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver, gets that reference. Keep up the momentum, Dwayne, as you make your debut on the NFL stage! Horn Jr. was selected as the 6th round pick. He was taken 64 picks later than his old Colorado sidekick, Shedeur Sanders, who was the fifth-round choice of the Detroit Lions. Horn Jr. exhibits jaw-dropping athleticism, boasting an absurd 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. This elite speed combined with his versatility gives him the ability to make an immediate impact on the field.
At 5-foot-9, Horn Jr.’s game is often compared to former Panthers great Steve Smith Sr. His agility and quickness allow him to navigate defenses effectively, making him a valuable asset for the Panthers. Off the field, though, Coach Dave Canales has been drawn to Horn Jr.’s warm charisma. It’s already won over his fellow players and coaching staff.
Horn Jr. has praised Sanders for getting him ready not just for football, but for life. After feeling the ramifications of having his own father incarcerated in 2021, Horn Jr. was able to find a father figure in Sanders. Their relationship has been instrumental in Horn Jr.’s growth as a person, and as he’s made the move into the professional ranks of football.
“He helped me get through it,” – Jimmy Horn Jr.
Horn Jr. has established a powerful network. These days, he’s focused on strictly playing receiver and returner to make a bigger impact rather than trying to fill the shoes of his former teammate Travis Hunter as a two-way player. Hunter has praised Horn Jr.’s mindset and determination from day one, calling him a player who is ready to contribute.
Throughout practice, Horn Jr. showed an admirable tenacity and skill. He ran down Lathan Ransom on a fake punt, showing off his toughness and playmaking ability. That’s because he produced a jaw-dropping tackle on Ransom. This decision further cemented his legacy as a Swiss Army Knife—always prepared to take on a variety of tasks.
Horn Jr. not only consistently erased receivers and gave it to them on offense on every play. He grabbed two short touchdown receptions in practice to show off his elusiveness and versatility. His ability to make a play and find the end zone speaks to his desire to finally show coaches and fans what he could really do.
“Jimmy is like my kid; I love him that much,” – Deion Sanders
Horn Jr.’s level of self-motivation and determination has quickly made a lasting impression on his teammates. Travis Hunter emphasized Horn Jr.’s strong work ethic and competitive nature, highlighting that he is a “ball player” with the right mindset to succeed in the NFL.
After some time in training camp, it is clear Horn Jr. is more than willing to establish himself as an impactful addition to the Panthers’ lineup. His unique blend of speed, skill, and mean streak absolutely makes him a player to keep an eye on this season. Going forward, the Panthers will undoubtedly hope to see Horn Jr. provide positive returns on his value as they continue efforts to upgrade their offense.
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