CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Justin Medlock was a little apprehensive when the Carolina Panthers called in March and asked him to come in for a tryout.
After all, he had a three-year offer on the table to return and kick for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a job with some measure of short-term security. In Carolina, he knew he’d have to fight an uphill battle to unseat 15-year veteran Olindo Mare to secure a roster spot.
He decided to give the NFL one more chance.
And he’s glad he did.
Medlock won the kicking job Monday after the Panthers (No. 20 in the AP Pro32) released Mare. A bit more mature and polished, Medlock is back in the NFL for the first time since 2007 eager to make the most of his second opportunity.
