The Carolina Panthers recently made headlines when they announced that they had decided to part ways with their vice president of player personnel, Adrian Wilson, after just one year. This decision came shortly after Wilson was arrested at his home in Arizona on three charges related to domestic violence: assault, criminal damage, and disorderly conduct. All three charges are misdemeanors, according to Scottsdale police as reported by The Athletic.
The team spokesperson confirmed that Adrian Wilson would not be continuing in his position as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Carolina Panthers and stated that they would have no further comment on the matter in accordance with their organizational policy on employee issues. This surprising move by the Panthers comes in the wake of Wilson’s arrest and subsequent legal troubles.
Wilson, a former NFL safety who enjoyed a successful career with the Arizona Cardinals, had been with the Panthers since February of 2023. Before joining Carolina, he had worked for the Cardinals in various roles, including director of pro scouting and vice president of pro scouting. He even served as the Cardinals’ interim co-general manager in 2022. Throughout his NFL career, Wilson was selected to five Pro Bowls, named an All-Pro in 2009, and helped lead the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2008. He was later inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor in 2015.
Adrian Wilson is just the latest in a string of former employees to be let go during David Tepper’s tenure as the Panthers’ owner, which began in 2018. The Panthers have struggled under Tepper’s ownership, with a record of 31-68 and no playoff appearances. Tepper has made significant changes within the organization, including the recent hirings of new president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, in hopes of turning the team’s fortunes around and ushering in a new era of success for Panthers football.