After Time Away, Carolina Native Hunter Renfrow Gears Up for NFL Comeback With Panthers
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – After stepping away from football for a year, Hunter Renfrow is ready to return — this time with his home-state team, the Carolina Panthers.
Renfrow first sensed something was off during the 2021 Pro Bowl, despite coming off a strong season with the Raiders. He experienced persistent fatigue, which worsened during 2022 training camp. Eventually, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease causing severe bowel inflammation.
The physical and mental toll of his illness left Renfrow questioning whether he wanted to continue playing. “I felt like I let my teammates down,” he admitted. “I just didn’t feel like myself and didn’t want to play football anymore.”
After being released by the Raiders following the 2023 season, Renfrow dedicated 2024 to recovery. He lost significant weight and made multiple emergency room visits before a new treatment finally helped him feel normal again. With his health improving, he started considering a return to the NFL.
During his year off, Renfrow focused on family, spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. He also joined ESS Industrial in Woodruff, S.C., as the head of business development, appreciating the team dynamic outside of football. He even participated in the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am, where he connected with Panthers receiver Adam Thielen.
Renfrow told Thielen that returning to Carolina was his dream — and just days after the 2025 NFL Draft, that wish became reality. The Panthers signed him as a free agent, hoping his experience will guide a young receiver group.
Now energized and healthy, Renfrow says he’s eager to return to the grind of football. “There’s something fulfilling about doing something difficult,” he said. “I’m excited to push through those tough days again.”
He’ll officially rejoin the field on May 27, when the Panthers begin organized team activities, ahead of mandatory minicamp starting June 10.