Charlotte, NC – On draft night in 2014, Andrew Norwell’s name was never called. The Ohio State offensive lineman sat undrafted, overlooked, and off the radar. But what seemed like a missed opportunity for 32 NFL teams turned out to be one of the greatest hidden gems in Carolina Panthers history.
Signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent, Norwell wasted no time proving he belonged. By Week 7 of his rookie season, the 6-foot-6, 325-pound left guard was inserted into the starting lineup—and from that moment, everything changed.
An offensive line that had long been a sore spot for the Panthers suddenly found its anchor. Norwell’s physicality, discipline, and football IQ stabilized the unit, earning him top grades from Pro Football Focus, even outperforming first-round stars like Zack Martin and Joel Bitonio over the back half of the season.
Rookie Year Highlights:
•Undrafted in 2014, signed by Carolina
•Became a starter by Week 7
•Allowed zero sacks and only one QB hit for the remainder of the season
Norwell’s presence was a game-changer—not just for the line, but for the entire offense. His dominance in the trenches helped fuel Carolina’s back-to-back NFC South titles and laid the foundation for one of the NFL’s most feared rushing attacks. Most notably, he played a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Cam Newton, whose MVP season culminated in a run to Super Bowl 50.
By 2017, Norwell’s career hit its peak. He started every game, remained a stone wall in pass protection, and did not allow a single sack all season. His efforts were rewarded with the league’s highest honor for an offensive lineman—First-Team All-Pro.
Career Accolades:
•First-Team All-Pro (2017)
•Key piece in Panthers’ Super Bowl 50 run
•Instrumental in Panthers leading the NFL in rushing over the final five games of 2014
Andrew Norwell’s rise is more than a feel-good story—it’s a blueprint for what happens when grit meets opportunity. From undrafted and unheralded to elite and indispensable, Norwell represents everything the Carolina Panthers stand for: toughness, consistency, and excellence against all odds.
While he may not have been a household name on draft night, he became a legend in Carolina, and without question, the greatest undrafted player in franchise history.
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