CHARLOTTE — Tershawn Wharton, known for his knack for turnovers, shared insights with linebacker Patrick Jones II following a training camp session. Reflecting on his career-defining plays, Wharton advised Jones after he intercepted a pass from Bryce Young but lost the ball when tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders dislodged it.
“Got to tell him to tuck the ball away,” Wharton remarked humorously.
Jones, primarily a pass rusher, caught the ball unexpectedly and was soon swarmed by the offense. Wharton noted Jones’s surprise at catching it and running with it. He plans to impart some of his turnover knowledge to Jones soon.
Wharton’s first NFL interception occurred in 2021 against the Washington Commanders when he intercepted Taylor Heinicke’s pass. “I pinned it to somebody’s helmet. My interception kind of looked cooler,” he stated.
During college at Missouri S&T, Wharton returned two fumble recoveries for touchdowns—one for 81 yards and another officially recorded as 53 yards in 2018. He set records with 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in NCAA Division II during his tenure there.
“I could run a little bit,” Wharton said of his touchdown returns.
With experience in big-man turnovers, Wharton aims to guide Jones and enhance the Panthers’ defense. “It’s good to see guys like Pat make plays,” he commented on Jones’s performance.
