Mike Minter

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Mike Minter, safety for the NFL Carolina Panthers, joined the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program's Celebrity Council on behalf of the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy in September 2005.  

"With Mike's stature in his local community and in the world of professional sports, he will bring a lot of visibility to the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy," said Edward "Eddie" Toler, program director. "But, it's his passion for children that really drew us to him. He is committed to helping at-risk youth. And, he has a proven track record of success both on and off the field. We are thrilled that he accepted our invitation."

Minter (#30) was selected by Carolina in the 1997 NFL draft. He is the Panthers' all-time leader in tackles (790), forced fumbles (15), fumble recoveries (9), interception returns for touchdowns (4) and interception return yards (371). He produced a career-high 18 tackles versus Atlanta (Nov. 24, 2002) that he matched in Super Bowl XXXVIII versus New England (Feb. 1, 2004).

But Minter isn't just active on the football field. He is very involved in the community, too, where he has a particular interest in advocating for at-risk children.

Minter and teammate Mike Rucker (#93) joined with Charlotte's University City YMCA to create the Minter & Rucker YMCA Character Club. The club is designed to engage children in sports with positive role models such as coaches, parents, YMCA staff and professional athletes. The Minter & Rucker YMCA Character Club uses sports as a way to build character and inspire kids to work together as a team.  Minter is proud to be a part of the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy.