Chandler Wooten

Chandler Wooten's Biography

Chandler Wooten, an illustrious name in the world of professional football, is an iconic linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, a prominent team in the National Football League (NFL). Born to Kelvin and Sandra Wooten on April 25, 1999, this American athlete crafted an undeniably successful career in football, a journey that began much before his professional introduction to the game.

Raised in a loving household, Wooten was introduced to football during his high school years. He attended North Cobb High School, where his raw talent and competitive grit landed him an all-region and state player nomination for Georgia. His ambitious tackle game and relentless spirit placed him under the spotlight, earning him a coveted place in the Under Armour All-America game.

Graduation from high school brought forth a new chapter for Wooten. Recognized as the forty-fifth best college football player in Georgia, he was thrust into a unique situation, having to choose between Auburn University and the University of Tennessee. With a competitive fire kindling within him, he selected Auburn University and set forth to make his mark in collegiate football.

In his freshman year at Auburn, Wooten filled a backup role, demonstrating an impressive tally of intermittent tackles throughout the season. Although he didn’t ascend to the starting linebacker position during his sophomore year, he witnessed a significant elevation in the depth chart, recording more tackles than the previous year. It wasn’t until his junior year at Auburn that he cinched the role of the starting linebacker, firmly establishing a formidable on-field presence.

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a staggering impact on Wooten’s football journey. Despite sitting out what would have been his climactic final season at Auburn, he returned for an additional, unprecedented fifth-year. This extension was sanctioned by the NCAA in response to the pandemic. Seizing this opportunity, Wooten delivered his best performance, leading him to be elected team captain and receiving the prestigious Shug Jordan Award.

Life beyond Auburn set a new stage for Wooten. Unfortunately, he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but remained consistent in pursuit of his dream. His determination paid off, and he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals. Though he didn’t make the active roster, he was incorporated into the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Wooten’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn when the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. With a roster spot now vacant, the Panthers promptly added Wooten to their active roster on October 18, 2022, leapfrogging him from the Cardinals practice squad.

Through multiple transitions, including being waived by the Panthers only to be re-signed, Wooten remained tenacious. Despite being placed on injured reserve on November 7, he bounced back and was back on the active roster by September 8, 2023. His rollercoaster journey continued when he was waived yet again on August 27, 2024, only to be re-signed to the practice squad once more.

Through it all, Chandler Wooten remains a devoted professional, not just surviving but thriving amid setbacks and triumphs, exemplifying the winning combination of talent, resilience, and determination. His is a journey filled with lessons of never giving up, demonstrating that success in the world of professional football requires more than just talent—it demands an unyielding spirit to back it up.