Chandler Zavala sold himself to Panthers with in-draft text message

In a move Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said he’s seen maybe just once before, Chandler Zavala texted the team mid-draft to let them know he wanted to be in Carolina.

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We got a little ABC in the NFL, and we’re not talking about the broadcasting network.

When the 2023 NFL draft was nearing its fourth round, North Carolina State University guard Chandler Zavala took it upon himself to close . . . for himself. As revealed in Tuesday’s episode of “Panthers Blueprint,” the local product texted general manager Scott Fitterer to tell him he really wanted to stay in the areaโ€”a move that took the team’s braintrust aback.

“Doesn’t happen often,” Fitterer said of the bold move. “I think it’s happened maybe once before. And he said something, ‘Hey, just want you to know, I really wanna be a Panther. Don’t forget about me. I wanna come there.'”

Well, it worked.

Knowing that he’d tip off other interested parties if he replied too eagerly, Fitterer played it cool. Then, the Panthers selected Zavala with the 114th overall pick of the draft soon after.

Hey, when opportunity knocks (or texts), maybe you should answer it.

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