Carolina Panthers fans received great news on Monday when it was announced that offensive guard Robert Hunt will participate in Sunday's Pro Bowl. The veteran blocker will be replacing the Philadelphia Eagles OG Landon Dickerson as the latter prepares for Super Bowl 59.
It didn't take long for Hunt to share his excitement, mentioning how it's been his dream to make the Pro Bowl since he was a kid in a social media post. It's a well-deserved honor for the fifth-year blocker, who played a big role in Carolina's various offensive improvements in 2024.
Panthers fans have since made it clear how proud they are of Hunt, and now head coach Dave Canales has gotten in on the mix.
Panthers News: Dave Canales Reacts to Robert Hunt Pro Bowl Nod
After the Pro Bowl announcement was made, Canales hopped on to X to let Hunt know exactly what he thought about the news.
"Congrats Rob!" he wrote.
Congrats Rob! https://t.co/Vvyk5fagwY
— Dave Canales (@TheCoachCanales) January 28, 2025
Even though his message wasn't the most descriptive, Canales' congratulatory words highlight the type of relationship he has with his players. Rather than saying nothing or waiting for their next in-person encounter, the 43-year-old HC demonstrated that he isn't afraid to give a public pat on the back when it's deserved.
The Panthers signed Hunt to a five-year, $100 million contract last March, just over a month after naming Canales as the new head coach. The duo has since had a positive impact on the other as Hunt was one of his coach's most reliable offensive linemen while Canales brought out the best in the former, ultimately leading to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
By the time the regular season ended, Hunt finished as Pro Football Focus' No. 18-ranked offensive guard in terms of run blocking (72.0) and No. 24 for overall offense (67.7). Without Canales' support, the Jasper, TX native may not have experienced that success.
It remains to be what Hunt will have in store for an encore appearance next season. In the meantime, Panthers fans can watch him — as well as cornerback Jaycee Horn — make his Pro Bowl debut when the action airs on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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