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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jonathon Brooks is not slowing down.
The competitive confidence of the Carolina Panthers' reserve running back remains steadfast. It could be heard in his playful comments during Tuesday's press conference following the NFL offseason-training activities (OTAs) practice.
Does it matter that RB1 Chuba Hubbard is listed at 6-foot-1, one inch taller than his understudy? Nope. When asked who possessed greater body length, Brooks claimed credit.
"Me," he said.
So, Hubbard would concede?
"No, he wouldn't," Brooks said, smirking.
When comparing top-end speed, Brooks downshifted his comment, suggesting he hasn't been tested officially, but whatever it was, "it's faster than Chuba, for sure."
Panthers' Jonathon Brooks' return gaining momentum
Panthers coach Dave Canales appreciates the competitive rivalry that is brewing in the running back room, led by Hubbard and carried on by Brooks. Friends off the field, the two regularly trained together last offseason. Their competitive natures stretched to nearly everything they did.
"It always starts with the running backs," Canales said. "They kinda set the tone of our practices. When they finish a run with full speed, everyone's got to chase and get on their angles and it allows you to practice the right way, get ready for the game."
Brooks, who recovered from back-to-back knee injuries, returned to the field last month for the first time since 2024. He's expected to serve as Hubbard's primary backup. A confident Brooks, who gained 22 career yards on nine carries, claimed he was not favoring his right knee.
"I mean, obviously, getting back there, it's been a little over a year since I went against the defense essentially," Brooks said. "Just getting back to that, obviously, it takes some time to get used to, but it's been good so far.
"Just trusting my journey that God has for me and not looking at other people's journeys. Just trusting my process. I'm really focused on stacking good days."
Full speed ahead.
English (US)