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For Cade Mays, the path to the NFL hasn’t been defined by accolades or immediate recognition. It’s been shaped by a deep connection to family, an unyielding work ethic, and the will to prove that no obstacle—no matter how daunting—could stand in his way.

Mays, now a promising offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers, didn’t come from a family of athletes, nor did he follow a traditional route to success. Growing up in the small town of Knoxville, Tennessee, Mays faced constant adversity from the beginning. His early years were spent in the shadows of bigger, stronger players who seemed to have a natural advantage in the game. But for Mays, it wasn’t about having the best genetics—it was about having the most heart.

“I wasn’t the biggest or the fastest kid, but I knew if I worked harder than anyone else, I could get there,” Mays shared. “It was all about putting in the time, being patient, and trusting that eventually, all that work would pay off.”

The road to success was not easy. Throughout high school, Mays battled self-doubt, constantly questioning whether he had what it took to make it to the next level. He spent countless hours in the gym, focusing on strength and conditioning to overcome his physical disadvantages. His dedication began to show results, and by the time he entered the University of Georgia, he was ready to make his mark.

At Georgia, Mays’ grit and determination began to shine through. He wasn’t a star from the get-go, but he played with a fire that earned the respect of coaches and teammates alike. His physical transformation was remarkable, but it was his mental toughness that truly set him apart. Despite being told by some that his size or skill set might limit him, Mays refused to listen to the doubters. Instead, he leaned on the values instilled in him by his family—values of hard work, humility, and perseverance.

Then, a sudden, unexpected tragedy hit. Mays’ father, who had been his biggest supporter and role model, was diagnosed with a serious illness that left him in a battle for his life. Mays found himself torn between his commitment to football and the need to be there for his family during a time of uncertainty.

“I didn’t know what to do. I felt like my world was crashing down,” Mays admitted. “But my dad—he was the one who told me to keep going. He said, ‘Son, you’ve got a dream, and you can’t let anything stop you from reaching it.’ That stuck with me, and every time I was on the field, I felt like he was with me.”

With his father's encouragement, Mays not only overcame the emotional hurdles but used them to fuel his game. He went on to become one of the most feared offensive linemen in college football, earning accolades and recognition from scouts across the country.

When the Panthers selected Mays in the 2025 NFL Draft, it marked the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and personal growth. The same kid who once doubted himself was now poised to be a key part of an NFL franchise, ready to protect his quarterback and help lead his team to victory.

“Getting that call from the Panthers was one of the best moments of my life,” Mays reflected. “But it wasn’t just for me—it was for my family. For my dad. This is for all the people who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Now, as Mays steps into the NFL, he’s determined to honor the lessons he’s learned and the people who have stood by him. For him, success isn’t just about what he does on the field; it’s about making his family proud and showing that with enough heart and dedication, anything is possible.

“I’m just getting started,” Mays said. “This is just the beginning. I’m here to work hard, make a difference, and show everyone that you can come from anywhere and make it to the top.”