Rookie Lathan Ransom redeemed last week’s costly mistake with a game-winning interception, propelling the Carolina Panthers to the NFC South lead.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A classic NFL moment helped the Carolina Panthers capture a December divisional lead.

Panthers rookie safety Lathan Ransom intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass on Tampa Bay’s final drive to seal the 23-20 win for Carolina (8-7). The play came one week after Ransom’s costly, unnecessary roughness penalty led to New Orleans (5-10) beating Carolina. 

Ransom’s redemption arc took just one week to find a highlight reel moment. It came in the form of his first career interception.

“I don’t know if it’s poetic or whatever, but for Lathan Ransom to end last week’s game the way that he did and then finish off the game this week, that’s a great story,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said after the win. “I love that for Lathan, for him to be able to make the winning play.”

In Week 15, Ransom dove at Saints quarterback Tyler Shough while he was sliding, leading to a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty. The penalty allowed New Orleans to set up for a game-winning field goal.

Following the loss, Ransom acknowledged his mistake but explained his reasoning for the hit.

“Every yard matters in that situation, so he’s running the ball, I’m just thinking stop him as fast as I can,” Ransom told Panthers.com.  “But he’s a quarterback, so I’ve got to be more aware of the situation.”

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The Panthers shook off the loss and got ready for their next contest. Ransom was in the right position on Tampa Bay’s final drive to secure the win with the turnover.

“I faced a lot of adversity, the noise from everybody last week,” Ransom told Panthers.com on Sunday. “That’s football. At the end of the day, that’s how you shake back.”

The Panthers drafted Ransom in the fourth round of this year’s draft. He’s started six games in 2025, including a stellar performance against the Rams when he made 11 tackles and earned his first career sack. 

Carolina faces Seattle (12-3) and Tampa Bay (7-8) in the final two weeks.