Inside the Gross Deal

With all the frenzied media speculation surrounding defensive end Julius Peppers and his antics in leaving Carolina, some of the pressure has been taken off offensive tackle Jordan Gross, who just signed a very crucial deal that will put him back in Panther blue for the upcoming NFL season. The Panthers ran the Gross deal very close to the wire, finally settling last Thursday on a six-year contract extension that will make this offensive lineman one of the highest-paid players in the league in the position.

Jordan Gross has been one of the most consistent Panthers to storm the field since his induction to the team six years ago, playing in 84 consecutive regular-season games before missing his first one last season, when Kansas City linebacker Michael Boley unintentionally hit Gross in the helmet with his knee in Week 5 of the regular season and caused a concussion. Gross went on this year to become the first offensive lineman for the Panthers to be selected to the Pro Bowl since Mike Wahle in 2006, making his first Pro Bowl appearance in Honolulu. Before he was drafted as a first round (and eighth overall) draft pick for the Carolina Panthers in 2003, Gross made waves as a standout lineman for the Utah Utes in his collegiate career.

To get Carolina Panthers tickets, go to StubHub.com.