Panthers quarterback Will Grier’s rookie year didn’t go as expected. What did he learn?
The Panthers future at quarterback is still being determined. They may look to free agency, the draft or keep things exactly the way they are.
The Observer had an opportunity to speak with Carolina quarterback Will Grier, last year’s third-round draft pick and Charlotte native, through his work with Panini America — the exclusive trading card partner of the NFL and NFLPA — about his plans for his first professional offseason and his thoughts on the new era in Panthers football.
How do you feel your rookie year went?
Grier: “I don’t think it went as expected, I don’t think anything ever does, but it’s a good experience. I was taking reps in preseason and then I really had to sit back and watch and learn. I didn’t take a single rep until Week 16 when I played the Colts. That was hard, that was a little different, but again I think it was all a good experience and I learned a lot from it. And then obviously getting to play those last two games, even though it was Christmas week and I had a lot going on, it was still a good experience to learn how to prepare and play and be a starter. All in all, rookie year is now in the past and I’m looking forward to attacking this year with these new coaches and taking advantage of the opportunity.”
How helpful was it to get the game experience at the end of the year?
Grier: “It was great. Learning how to prepare for the game and really getting those reps. It had been a really long time since I had an opportunity in practice actually on offense. I ran the scout team for 15 straight weeks without taking a rep of our offense, calling a play in the huddle and running the play, it had been forever. It’s good to get those two weeks to freshen up and get into it and play again.”
What’s your plan for the offseason?
Grier: “I’ll be in Charlotte training, just at the stadium. Monday through Friday. We’re bringing another little girl into the world here soon. (Grier’s wife, Jeanne, gave birth to their second daughter Adeline, on January 28). That’s the plan, I’ll be here, I’ll be working.”
What have your interactions with Coach Matt Rhule been like?
Grier: “I saw him briefly when he came in to do his press conference. I just finished working out, I just ran into him. We had a little small talk back and forth, I had met him previously, played against and stuff, so just a little small talk and ready to get to work.”
What’s your expectation for Joe Brady’s offense?
Grier: “I think he’s a great offensive football mind, so I’m really excited to work with, learn from him. He obviously did an incredible job at LSU, but got a cool background has been to some cool places, learned a lot about football, so I’m excited to work with him.”
Will it be hard to learn a new offense again?
Grier: “That’s how this profession works. It’s out of our control. I think we got a great group of coaches coming in that are going to bring a great system to us and I’m excited to learn. I look at it as a great opportunity to learn and grow and I don’t mind learning a new system. It’s football and it will be fun to work with these guys and win some football games.”
What was your reaction to Luke Kuechly’s retirement?
Grier: “I was pretty surprised. I think everybody else — around the league, on our team, everywhere — has acknowledged obviously what a great talent Luke is, but also what a great person. The leadership is probably what we’ll miss the most, but he’s a wonderful talent, wonderful guy, I wish him the best in his future.
“This game’s rough, mentally and physically, and it takes a lot. I respect his decision, he had an outstanding career and led this organization for a long time. I feel like now it’s time for young guys to step up and fulfill those leadership roles, so that’s what we got to do moving forward.”
How does that impact how you view your longevity in football?
Grier: “I think everyone’s got their unique story and experience, but I think everybody loves the game and wants to play as long as they can, but the nature of the sport, it’s just not a realistic thing and everybody is on a different timeline and doing different things.”
This story was originally published February 19, 2020 at 12:01 PM.
