SAN JOSE, Calif.
If ever there was a running back who was capable of taking on an increased workload, it was the Carolina Panthers’ Jonathan Stewart.
“You’re always thinking, ‘bigger, faster, stronger,’ ” Panthers strength and conditioning coach Joe Kenn said of the burly Stewart, who trucked his 5-foot-10, 235-pound frame to 989 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. “With Jonathan, he was always bigger, faster, stronger. He may be the strongest guy we have, pound for pound. And maybe the strongest guy we have from pure numbers.”
After longtime running mate DeAngelo Williams signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2014 season, Stewart had the Panthers’ running-back spot to himself for the first time in his eight-year career.