The Carolina Panthers have re-signed fullback Mike Tolbert to a two-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
“I’m excited,” Tolbert said. “I wanted to be here because this is home, this is family. They say in college you forge friendships that last a lifetime and since I’ve been here I’ve done that and more. These are guys that I call brothers and will be friends with forever. Family doesn’t leave family hanging.”
In 2015, Tolbert earned Pro Bowl and AP All-Pro honors for the second time in his career after playing in 16 regular season games with three starts. He scored four total touchdowns, including a career-high three receiving, and his blocking efforts helped open holes for Jonathan Stewart to run for 989 yards as the Panthers averaged 142.6 rushing yards per game, second-most in the NFL.
“I’m glad to have Michael back,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “He brings valuable versatility with the different positions he can play on offense and what he does on special teams. He’s been an integral part of what we do offensively and is one of our team leaders.”
A veteran of eight NFL seasons, Tolbert joined the Panthers in 2012 and earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors in 2013. Tolbert entered the NFL in 2008 with San Diego as an undrafted rookie free agent from Coastal Carolina. He has played in 115 regular season games with 42 starts, rushing 595 times for 2,288 yards and 33 touchdowns, and totaling 193 receptions for 1,711 yards and 11 touchdowns.
