CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers have a lot of important storylines as they begin offseason workouts. Cam Newton's shoulder rehab. The transition of the defense to multiple fronts. The search for new leadership with team captains Julius Peppers, Thomas Davis and Ryan Kalil gone.
But for one player, the level of importance is elevated more than others. This is the start of what wide receiver Rashard Ross considers his last chance to make an NFL roster, to make his dying father more proud of him than he already is.