JJ Jansen

JJ Jansen's Biography

Jeffrey Richard “J. J.” Jansen, born on January 20, 1986, is a prominent figure in the world of American professional football. Recognized for his skill and longevity as a long snapper for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL), he has etched his name solidly within Panther history. To date, Jansen has played an astonishing 243 games, setting a new record in the Panthers’ franchise in the 14th week of 2022 against the Seahawks, marking his 222nd game.

Jansen’s football journey did not begin in the NFL, though. He honed his skills playing college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. However, despite his prowess on the pitch, he went unselected in the 2008 NFL draft, yet this setback did not deter him. Instead, he remained stalwart, signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2008 as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, he was unable to grace the field as a Packer.

Before delving into his college career, Jansen had distinguished himself in football at an early age. He had an impressive football tenure at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, where he completed his high school education. However, his football journey had started even before high school, as a student at the Rancho Solano Private School. Here, Jansen was an outstanding quarterback, guiding the RSPS Mustangs team to clinch the MVAL championship back in 1999.

After leaving the Packers, Jansen began his career with the Panthers in 2009, courtesy of a trade deal that also involved a conditional pick for the upcoming 2011 NFL draft. This move seemed to be just the pivot Jansen needed, and he has since become an integral part of the Panther’s roster.

In February 2012, the Panthers showed confidence in his abilities by signing him to a four-year contract valued approximately at $3.6 million. The following years were an affirmation of Jansen’s worth as, in January 2014, he was among the seven Panthers athletes voted to participate in the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Adding to his milestone-filled career, on February 7, 2016, Jansen and his Panthers’ teammates got the opportunity to perform in the illustrious Super Bowl 50. Despite putting up a valiant fight, the Panthers experienced a setback against the Denver Broncos, losing 24-10. Shortly after, on February 17, 2016, he signed a five-year contract extension worth $5.5 million with the Panthers.

In the third week of the 2020 NFL season against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jansen showcased his skills by recovering a punt at the Chargers’ one-yard-line, proving instrumental inline with the game’s progression. Unfortunately, the Chargers fell short in their winning drive by fewer than 20 yards.

Jansen’s commitment to the Carolina Panthers has remained unfaltering over the years. Supported by this dedicated service, he has signed several contract extensions, including on March 17, 2021, February 9, 2022, February 20, 2023, and the latest one on March 11, 2024, all guaranteeing his continued presence in the team. His significant contribution to the Panthers was evident when, on November 27, 2022, he equaled the former leading Panther, John Kasay, for the most games played for the franchise, marking an impressive 221 games.