CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton returned to practice for the first time Tuesday after "scary" June episodes of "coughing up blood."
The "fun uncle" came back on his "birthday."
But then, it's generally Moton's special day.
"Every other week it's: 'Happy Birthday, T-Mo,' " Panthers coach Dave Canales joked during Tuesday's post-practice press conference. "That's the way he is."
And the way Moton's teammates treated him during his treatments.
"As fun-loving as he is, there isn't anybody that is more conscientious about their fundamentals and their technique," Canales said. "It's why he's been able to be so successful for so long."
Panthers' Taylor Moton returning from health scare
Moton's ordeal originated last summer after wrapping up an offseason youth football camp in his native Michigan. Feeling fatigued, the nine-year NFL veteran who missed just one of 146 games entering 2026 laid down to take a nap. An unusual taste in his mouth prevented him from resting.
His health concerns grew when he started coughing up blood, prompting at least two trips to a hospital, resulting in a pulmonary embolism diagnosis.
Panthers internist Nancy Gritter broke down Moton's new reality. He suffered from a "multitude" of clots in his right lung.
"It was scary," Moton said. "You start coughing up blood, you start thinking the worst.
"Ultimately, Dr. Gritter came in and told me I'm going to have to be on blood thinners for three months and explained to me what being on blood thinners meant."
That meant no football for one of the league's most durable performers over the past decade.
"The first thing I believe she said was it means no taking on bull rushes from Nic Scourton," Moton said. "I was like, 'OK, so that means no ball for me.' "
As his teammates practiced over the past four months, Moton generally spent his time walking the perimeter of the two practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium and coaching the revamped offensive line. With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) sidelined, the NFC South-leading Panthers (2-2) opened the campaign without their top two tackles.
MORE: Can Panthers QB Bryce Young continue producing at 'MVP' level?
Despite facing a league-high 47.2 pressure rate through four starts, quarterback Bryce Young enjoyed a career renaissance. The fourth-year signal caller enters Sunday's game at the Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) with 1,268 passing yards, which ranked first entering the team's Week 5 bye.
Back at practice Tuesday, Moton, surrounded by his teammates in the locker room, reflected on his health scare.
"Thank God I'm still on this side of the Earth, right?" Moton said. "It just makes you count your blessings.
"I'm just happy to be here. Like I said, it's just a blessing."
Happy birthday to the team's "fun uncle."
Canales remains confident there will be plenty more this season.
