Here at Cat Scratch Reader we have counted down the final 100 days leading up to the Carolina Panthers season opener by for at least the past ten years. We’ve always done this by highlighting the current player on the roster whose jersey number matches the day on the countdown. This year, we decided to change that up a bit by counting down our own list of the Top 100 Panthers of all time. This does not correspond to jersey number, does not need to be somebody who wore a jersey, and will in no way be controversial.
#87. Rocket Ismail
Raghib “Rocket” Ismail was originally projected to be the number one overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft. Instead, he opted to sign a record breaking deal with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. That same draft, the Raiders decided to still draft Ismail in the fourth round to own his rights if he ever changed his mind. After a couple wildly successful years in the CFL, Ismail decided to try his hand at the NFL level. He spent three years with the Raiders organization, then was traded to the Panthers for a fifth round pick in 1996.
His first season with the Panthers was a bit forgettable, logging only 12 catches for 214 yards and a lone touchdown. After an improved second year, he really burst onto the scene during the 1998 season. That year, he caught 69 passes for 1,024 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite his personal success, the team floundered to a 4-12 record, firing coach Dom Capers after the season. George Seifert was the replacement, and Ismail did not fit his West Coast style of offense, especially at the price point the Cowboys were willing to pay Ismail.
While his tenure with the Panthers was short, Ismail provided a glimpse of that electrifying college player that fans were hoping he would be since leaving the CFL. This franchise has had a lot of forgettable seasons as a team while having plenty of memorable seasons for individuals. This is just another case of a great player making a terrible season just a little more enjoyable.
