Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker became the NFL’s feelgood story of the summer last week when he signed a three-year extension worth $35 million, a well deserved pay raise and added security going into his third season.

It’s rare to see a former undrafted free agent sign this kind of deal after just two seasons in the NFL. Coker’s full story makes this particular situation even more unique.

Carolina Panthers WR Jalen Coker still has a chip on his shoulder for being passed over by the entire NFL

During the 2024 NFL Draft, all 32 teams passed on selecting a little known wide receiver out of Holy Cross named Jalen Coker. The Carolina Panthers decided to take a chance on Coker bringing him in as a UDFA but even they waived him in late August later that year.

On the waiver wire, Coker received zero interest yet again from the other 31 teams and was brought back on Carolina’s practice squad.

“That’s a good question. I’m not sure. I am not sure,” Coker said on NFL Network when asked why teams passed on him multiple times as a rookie. “Even from coming out of high school, going into college—I always felt like I had all the tangibles. Everything that I could do on the field, I did it at a high level.”

All Coker needed was an opportunity and eventually the Panthers provided one for him when he was called up to the active roster in September. Coker went on to total 394 yards as a rookie and then record 478 yards the following season. Now, he’s earned himself a starting opportunity and the chance to really stick it to the rest of the NFL.

“It’s their loss, though,” Coker added. “And that’s why I’m here in Carolina and that’s why we’re gonna win a lot more football games.”

Jalen Coker had the perfect example to learn from and model the rest of his career off of

Coming in as an undrafted rookie is always an uphill climb for any player, at any position, on any roster. It’s slim odds to come into the NFL in that way and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Coker was able to pull that off in Carolina, but he also had the ideal mentor to watch and learn from as a rookie.

“Having Adam (Thielen) in our room a couple of years ago was really helpful,” Coker explained. “Picking his ear about how he takes care of his body, what he does.”

Thielen is one of the NFL’s greatest UDFA success stories. After going undrafted out of Minnesota State University, Thielen fought hard to earn a spot on the Minnesota Vikings roster and turned it into a 12-year career that included two Pro Bowl nods.

Coker is hoping to continue following in those same footsteps, both in his own career on the field and by being a mentor to the younger guys like Thienen once was for him.

“I really just try to be a listening ear for all of the rookies coming in, especially the undrafted guys,” Coker added. “They have a special place in my heart. My biggest thing is just to say ‘stay hungry’ and ‘be available’ whenever your number is called, know what to do, and make a play. And just doing that over and over again. Eventually, everything is going to work out. Just about staying hungry and being consistent.”

That process certainly paid off in a big way for Coker so far based on his new deal and now he can go out there an continue proving everyone wrong for doubting what he can do.