The Carolina Panthers recently signed veteran linebacker Josey Jewell, who previously played for the Denver Broncos. Originally from Iowa, Jewell had a modest start to his career but has since flourished. Here are five things to know about the Panthers’ new linebacker:
1. Nickname: Jewell is known as ‘The Outlaw’ among teammates and fans, a reference to the classic Clint Eastwood movie ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales.’ His Instagram bio features a quote from the movie. The nickname was earned during his time as the middle linebacker in the Iowa 4-3 defensive scheme, where he was a dominant presence in the middle of the field, accumulating numerous tackles.
Jewell wasn’t heavily recruited in high school due to his size and position, but Iowa showed early interest and remained committed throughout his recruitment, asking him to gain weight for college. Despite being overlooked by Division I schools, Jewell excelled in multiple positions for his high school team. In his senior year, he led the team in various statistics and played a key role in winning the state championship. After redshirting his freshman year at Iowa to build strength, Jewell made a significant impact in his playing career, earning numerous accolades and becoming a standout player in the Big Ten. He was later drafted by the Denver Broncos and made an immediate impact due to injuries in the team. His best season came in 2022, where he had an impressive performance under the guidance of the Broncos’ defensive coordinator. Throughout his time in Denver, Jewell accumulated impressive statistics, showcasing his skills as a solid defensive player. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Jewell grew up on a farm and continues to be involved in the family’s farming operation while balancing his NFL career. He and his family recently built a home in Iowa to stay connected to their roots and the farming business.
