Jaycee Horn’s arrival at the Panthers’ locker room this morning marks a significant shift, as his life-changing contract extension has cemented his role as a leader on the team. Walking in, everything appears the same except for one subtle change: the nameplate above his locker, which once read “54 Shaq Thompson” and previously “0 Brian Burns,” has been removed. This small change symbolizes the evolution of the Panthers’ defense, with Horn now joining Derrick Brown in taking on leadership responsibilities.
When Horn entered the league as a first-round pick, he was guided by veterans like Shaq Thompson, who had been shaped by players such as Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and others. These players passed down leadership lessons that have now become Horn’s responsibility to carry forward. Despite his youth (Horn is 25, and Brown is 26), Horn acknowledges that it’s now his turn to step into the leadership role.
Horn reflected on his rookie season, remembering how Thompson, a seasoned veteran, pushed him into leadership moments, like asking him to address the defense. Though nervous at the time, Horn saw these moments as part of preparing for his eventual role as a leader. He credits Thompson’s teaching for showing him how to hold others accountable and lead by example.
Horn also learned valuable lessons through adversity. A broken foot cut short his rookie season, but during his recovery, Thompson offered practical advice, telling him to pick his head up and not dwell on setbacks. Thompson’s mentality, focused on pushing through challenges, greatly impacted Horn’s own approach to adversity.
Last season, Horn took those lessons to heart, focusing on his preparation and making sure he was available for every game. His dedication paid off with his first Pro Bowl selection, a well-earned recognition from his peers and coaches. Head coach Dave Canales praised Horn’s professionalism, especially in his film study, physical readiness, and mental preparation, all of which set an example for the team.
This offseason has brought significant changes to the Panthers’ defense. Horn’s new four-year, $100 million extension is just the first step in a series of moves aimed at rebuilding the defense, which was among the league’s worst last season. Horn believes the team has the potential to compete with anyone, but it will require focus on the small details that make the difference in close games. He feels that the defensive unit needs a new attitude heading into next season, especially after their historically poor performance in 2024.
As the Panthers make changes to their defensive roster, adding new players to strengthen the squad, Horn is continuing his training. While awaiting the news of his contract, he remained focused on his workouts, which shows his grounded approach. When he received the call confirming the deal, he didn’t let it disrupt his routine. Although the news was surreal, Horn is more focused on improving his game and leading by example.
Horn’s upbringing in a football family, with his father being former NFL receiver Joe Horn, made big contracts and recognition part of his reality, but the personal achievement still feels surreal. He remains focused on perfecting his craft rather than basking in the financial rewards, knowing that there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Horn’s leadership philosophy is simple: lead by example and bring others along. While he might push younger players to step up, he values quiet leadership that comes through actions rather than words. As the Panthers’ defense evolves, Horn is ready to guide the next generation of players, teaching them the same lessons that he learned from those before him. Now with a new contract, he’s poised to continue the legacy of leadership and performance set by those who came before him.