South Charlotte Today

Few individuals possess the insight into this week's Panthers-Chiefs game quite like Kurt Coleman. Drafted in 2010 by Chiefs coach Andy Reid's Eagles, Coleman followed Reid to Kansas City in 2014. However, his move to Charlotte as a free agent in 2015 marked a turning point, establishing him as a leader and one of the most effective safeties in the league.

In 2015, Coleman intercepted seven passes as part of a formidable defense that finished with a 15-1 record and made it to the Super Bowl. Remaining in Charlotte, he now contributes to the Panthers Radio Network. This week, Coleman will be honored as the Legend of the Game and will participate in hitting the Keep Pounding drum during Sunday's game.

Panthers.com spoke with Coleman about his career journey and experiences.

Reflecting on his time with Andy Reid, Coleman said: "So if I can kind of take you actually back to my time in Philly when I was drafted by Andy, it was one of the biggest blessings that I didn't even know at the time."

Coleman explained how working under Reid helped him learn professionalism and strive for success: "Being underneath Andy Reid helps set the precedent of how to be a professional... within the family-like atmosphere, you're always pushing almost to please and not let him down."

Discussing his first impressions upon joining Carolina's team, Coleman noted: "I think defensively, you've got a TD who plays the way he does and Luke... was essentially a star in the league." He highlighted how joining such an accomplished group taught him about teamwork: "We knew that, yes, we did have quote-unquote superstars... we knew how to sacrifice for one another so that we could all kind of shine."

On practice dynamics compared to game days, Coleman remarked: "Practice replicated game day; game day was just a manifestation of what we did at practice."

When asked about dancing talents among teammates, Coleman humorously shared: "(Laughs) 'I'm sure a lot of guys would probably say they were the best.'"

Coleman expressed gratitude for being part of Panthers history by participating in Sunday's ceremony: "It's a blessing... It signifies something much deeper. You fight for one more inch and you don't stop."