Claudin Cherelus always believed he’d play in the NFL, even when no one else did.
Just don’t tell him he beat the odds in becoming a key member of the Carolina Panthers after entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Alcorn State, even if it might be accurate.
Advertisement
“I just don’t like hearing people say that,” the 26-year-old linebacker said. “Like, realistically, it’s probably true but I want people to know it is possible.”
That’s the message Cherelus plans on delivering at his inaugural football camp on June 21 at his alma mater, Golden Gate High School. The event is the fulfillment of a dream he’s had since he was a star player for the Titans.
From 2023: Golden Gate’s Claudin Cherelus looking to stand out at New York Jets rookie minicamp
“Growing up all I heard is there’s no NFL players that come out of here so it felt like it was impossible,” Cherelus said. “I feel like I would have had more confidence if I had to been able to see and speak to somebody who was playing on Sundays.
Advertisement
“That’s what I want to do, give some hope and motivation to kids and the community. Why can’t we be one of those areas that send a lot of kids to college and the NFL? I kind of want to spark some of that change.”
The NFL can and will measure nearly every physical aspect of a prospect. But it’s the immeasurables that often determine whether that prospect ever reaches his potential much more than his 40-yard dash time.
For Cherelus, those intangibles are an unwavering tenacity and unshakeable belief in his ability. They’ve helped him overcome one obstacle after another on his path to the Panthers, from the University of Minnesota rescinding his scholarship offer to the New York Jets releasing him as part of their final roster cuts in 2023.
Carolina picked Cherelus up on waivers and he quickly became a special teams standout for the Panthers before a knee injury ended his season after six games.
Jun 11, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) performs a mobility drill during minicamp at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Last year, the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder played in 13 games for Carolina, recording 28 tackles and making a couple starts at linebacker, including a Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Advertisement
Just before halftime, Cherelus injured his foot but continued to play, ending up with a career-high nine tackles in a 30-14 loss to the Cowboys. Following the game, tests revealed a ruptured ligament in his toe.
“I don’t know if it was adrenaline or what but I basically played the second half on one foot,” he said. “I could have tried to let it heal on its own or get surgery so I’d be ready for camp (this) season. It was basically a no-brainer.”
Cherelus opted for surgery which ended his 2024 campaign. Now entering his third season with Carolina, he’s fully recovered, completing the Panthers’ recent mandatory OTAs with no restrictions.
“That was really good to be back on my feet and pick up where I left off,” he said. “I’m one of the few guys that has been here the past three years playing all four phases of special teams.”
Advertisement
While Cherelus would certainly welcome more defensive snaps at linebacker, he’s focused on continuing to improve what’s endeared him to the Panthers: his special teams acumen.
“I’ve made some plays, put some good stuff on tape and I want to build off of that,” he said. “There’s a lot of little stuff I’m catching on to and I’m trying to teach it to the young guys. I want to be that guy that helps everyone out and gives back my knowledge.”
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs with the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) defends in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
That commitment includes sharing his story with Southwest Florida’s youth at his football camp which reached its capacity of 125 players just three days after it was announced.
Advertisement
“I thought that was a good number but maybe I have to double it for next year,” Cherelus said. “I was really big on having each kid get the best experience. For me to go and try to individually speak to 500 kids, that’d be tough but with 125 I’m going to be all around the field coaching them up. I just want to give them my time.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus hosts camp at Golden Gate