Carolina Panthers latest stop on Gam Gill's NFL odyssey

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Linebacker Cam Gill, who set the United Football League's single-season sacks record in 2026 with 10, is back in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, where he signed in 2024.

With about five minutes remaining in Super LV and the Kansas City Chiefs attempting a fourth-quarter rally, Cam Gill lined up on second-and-20, 37 yards from the end zone. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie read the snap and worked his way down the line of scrimmage, tracking Patrick Mahomes’ movements. As the Chiefs quarterback roamed to his right, Gill identified an open lane and sprinted past guard Nick Allegretti. Meeting Mahomes at the same time as teammate Ndamukong Suh, Gill was credited with a half-sack and forced fumble on the 13-yard loss. 

“When dreams turn into reality...” Wagner College Football posted on X moments after the Feb. 8, 2021, play by its alumnus.  

The Chiefs’ drive ended on downs two plays later. Four minutes and six seconds later, Gill, an undrafted free agent a few months earlier, celebrated an NFL championship.  

He embraced the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the field at Raymond James Stadium.  

Ring No. 1. 

Gill's NFL odyssey, beginning during the COVID-19 era, endured a few shutdowns and several detours, but remains on track, returning to the Carolina Panthers for a third stint.  

Added for preseason depth 

Signed shortly after outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first day of training camp on July 23, Gill effectively replaced the expected starter at edge on the 91-man roster.

After initially spending two seasons as a special-teams fixture with the Buccaneers, logging 460 snaps, Gill did not see the field in 2022 but returned the next season, dressing for 15 games with the Buccaneers before being released again after posting 2.5 sacks in 184 career defensive snaps. 

Carolina general manager Dan Morgan signed Gill before training camp in 2024. Gill impressed the staff before suffering a broken hand and ankle injuries that led to an injury settlement and another release. 

The Detroit Lions lured Gill to their practice squad, but Morgan came calling when injuries and ineffectiveness decimated the Panthers' linebacker room. Gill dressed for 10 games, collecting a career-best 22 total tackles (six solo) and four QB hits during 221 defensive snaps, before his end-of-season release. He spent 2025 on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. 

An opportunity developed with the UFL’s expansion Louisville Kings. Gill, needing a chance to put himself in front of NFL scouts again, turned the spring football gig into a record-breaking campaign, ending the regular season with 10 sacks. He also added one in the two-game postseason with the United Bowl championship. 

Ring No. 2. 

Gill was named the league’s defensive player of the year and selected to the All-UFL team.  

“I made it a goal for myself when I had to do the spring league to get back to the NFL,” Gill said after the first Panthers’ July 28 practice. “(Being back with the Panthers) means everything. 
“It’s unfortunate (about Scourton's injury). I’ve been there myself. I battled injuries throughout my career, so I definitely feel for him.”

Prepping for Hall of Fame Game 

With Phillips out for Thursday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, Gill is expected to play extended snaps during the NFL’s preseason opener in Canton, Ohio. 
“I’m still getting to know him, but he’s a cool guy,” edge rusher Jaelan Phillips said of Gill. “I think he’s done a good job adjusting to us. You know, dedicated ... high focus ... high energy.”
And more mature. Grizzled, perhaps, from his travels. 

“I’m just older, you know, a little bit wiser,” said Gill, 28. “I just picked up little tips and tricks. Every year that you’re in this league or any professional level, you have to grow. That’s what keeps you on these rosters. I got the opportunity to come back here to a familiar place with familiar faces and system. I jumped right at it.”

Unlike most of his new teammates, Gill felt game-ready when the pads came on for the first time.  

“I’m fresh off the [UFL] season, so it’s not like I have to get in shape or anything,” he said. “I was excited to be back here.”

And eager to display his refined, record-breaking skills.

In 12 games with the  Kings, Gill collected 48 tackles, including 14 that resulted in negative yardage. With the Panthers, Gill could battle veterans Trevis Gipson and Thomas Incoom for a rotational role, behind Phillips, Pat Jones II and second-year breakout candidate Princely Umanmielen.  

Gill gave a “shout out to the Kings” for helping him earn a third opportunity with the Panthers, who are embarking on a second straight NFC South title.  

“Anybody who’s on the bubble or anybody that’s been out of the league for a minute like myself, [the UFL] gave me the exposure that I needed and gave me the confidence,” he said. “That was the most since I played in college. I didn’t play at all in 2025. Just to be willing to go out there and trust in my abilities and trust in my techniques ... it reminded me that I knew there was never any doubt that was in my mind that I couldn’t do it. 

“It definitely felt good (and) proved me even more to myself that I’m the dominating player that I strive out to be.”

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