The Next Chapter
Colby Porter Jr.
May 2, 2021
It was little over three years ago when I wrote my first article for the Players' Tribune. At that time I was in the process of transferring from Oregon State to to Virginia. That time in my life seems like an eternity ago now. The season we had at Virginia was amazing. I had as much fun that season as I can remember having playing football. My teammates and coaches were incredible. The atmosphere was amazing. The fans welcomed me in so quickly. My mom and grandfather came to a bunch of games. It was awesome.
The Senior Bowl. The combine. Pro day. The draft. A whirlwind to say the least.
At the end of the 2019 season I started five games due to injuries ahead of me on the depth chart. Looking back, I wasn't ready but it was a great experience and I feel like I made the most of that opportunity. There's no way to replace the experience I got during that time, in real games against real NFL defenses. We were able to win three of those five games. I had my share of highlights and “low-lights” during that stretch. I bonded with teammates and those are bonds I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
Last season, after a solid preseason I earned the backup quarterback role behind Matt Stafford. Then, over the course of 16 games, I played about six snaps and completed a pair of passing attempts. That may sound like a wasted season to you but in all honesty it was one of the best seasons I have ever had from a developmental standpoint.
We made the playoffs and I learned more than I ever have about preparation and putting in the work off the field by watching Matt, Coach Patricia and everyone else. I watched what they did on game days on the field but also, maybe even more importantly, I really watched and tried to absorb as much as I could off the field. I made several changes to my routine, taking pieces of what Matt does, pieces of what guys like Marvin and Darius and a bunch of other guys do. I saw the return on investment almost immediately.
Matt has been great. He's taught me so much these past two seasons and I'll always be grateful to him for that. There was never any hesitation from him when I had questions or needed an extra rep. The whole organization and everyone associated with them has been nothing but awesome and I'll always be appreciative of the time I spent with the Lions.
I'm writing this as I am still processing the trade. If you haven't heard or seen I was traded to the Panthers on day two of the draft in exchange for a third round pick. It's a strange feeling to be traded. I've been on a number of different teams over the past several years but each change has been at least somewhat my decision. To be told you've been traded and that you essentially have no say in the process is a weird feeling. Like I mentioned, I'm still processing that.
My feelings on being traded shouldn't be mistaken for any trepidation toward playing for the Panthers, not in the least. I have had lengthy and very exciting, enlightening conversations with both Coach Rhule and Coach Brady. I am very, very excited to be joining them and I can't wait to get started on the process.
I've known Cam for a while, we talked before I signed on at Blinn and he was at a few of the games when I played there. He checked in a few times since then. I was just as surprised as everyone else when he retired. I wish him the bast. He's a great guy and I'm sure he will excel at whatever is next for him. I'm guessing he'll remain a part of the Panthers family going forward.
The Panthers are loaded with talent and I am chomping at the bit to get to work with those guys. Christian McCaffrey called me the day after the trade and between talking to the coaches and him I was ready to start the season right then!
Charles Town. Martinsburg. Brenham. Corvallis. Charlottesville. Detroit. Charlotte.
Google says it's 7,632 miles, seems like a lot more than that.
I'm extremely excited for the next chapter, let's see where it takes us.