Carolina Panthers keep Clemson legend Hunter Renfrow's NFL comeback alive

When Hunter Renfrow was cut by the Carolina Panthers during last week’s final roster trimdown, it looked like his NFL comeback was over after taking last year off because of the medical condition ulcerative colitis. 

Not so fast. The Clemson legend and former receiver was re-signed by the Panthers on Saturday after the team placed WR Jalen Coker on the injured list, just in time for Week 1. 

Renfrow gets the chance many thought he deserved during his training camp return attempt, as he dazzled teammates and fans with his quickness out of breaks and strong hands. However, head coach Dave Canales said a hamstring injury that had limited Renfrow during the preseason practices led to the cut. 

General manager Dan Morgan told the media that he was staying in touch with Renfrow in hopes of at least getting him back on the practice squad. The team was able to do one better and put him on the active roster after Coker’s injury. 

Renfrow’s availability status is unknown for Week 1 for Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against Jacksonville, where he’ll link up with old friends Travis Etienne Jr. and Trevor Lawrence. The first injury reports will be released in the middle of next week. 

The former Raiders receiver’s NFL return is a big deal for him. He wasn’t sure when he’d get another shot in a league that’s incredibly hard to make. Renfrow gets to be close to his family, located in South Carolina, and hopefully play meaningful football again soon, completing a story-book comeback. 

It’s also a big deal to Clemson fans. The Tiger legend will never have to pay for a meal in Clemson, even though he can certainly afford it, after being the recipient of Deshaun Watson’s game-winning touchdown pass to beat Alabama in the 2016 national championship game. 

A former walk-on, who emerged from nowhere to live forever in Clemson lore, embodied so much of Dabo Swinney’s program during Renfrow’s five years with the Tigers. 

Seeing him suit up for the Carolina Panthers would also give Clemson Nation some satisfaction. The NFL team that claims the Palmetto State, along with North Carolina, as its home and market, but it has never drafted a Clemson player. It’s a sticking point with many in the fan base who rightfully pull for both teams. 

Renfrow wasn’t drafted by Carolina either, but at least playing in Charlotte gives a ton of Tiger faithful someone they can relate to and pull for this season. It wouldn’t hurt ticket and merchandise sales, which this franchise could use after recording seven consecutive losing seasons.