Panthers' Beason has power of personality

It’s not uncommon for the most talented University of Miami linebackers to be compared with former alums from the school known for producing greats at the position.

Ray Lewis, Dan Morgan and Jonathan Vilma are just a few the former Hurricanes who made a significant mark in the NFL.

But being compared to Martin Luther King, Jr. could well have been a first (and last) when it comes to singling out a football player.

Ken Lucas’ analogy was quite a testament to Jon Beason’s power of personality. Beason delivered a heartfelt pre-game address to the Panthers prior to last season’s final home game against Dallas.

“It was one of those Martin Luther King type of speeches,” Lucas said. “It had that type of feel. It was during a time when things were hard and we weren’t playing the way we expected. Our record wasn’t what we wanted, and it was about finishing the season strong.

“I’ve probably never heard a speech like that from a coach or player before. He’s just a natural leader.”

It wasn’t like Beason felt a sudden urge to inspire his teammates as he was, after all, only a rookie. He was asked to speak by head coach John Fox in one of the rare instances Fox didn’t call on a veteran to fire up the squad.

“For him to ask me, I was moved by it,” Beason said. “But I knew I had kind of arrived. As a rookie, you may have something to say, but you don’t say it because it’s not really your team, it’s not your place. It was an opportunity to let my teammates know how I feel about the game and it was just from the heart.”

It’s obvious to anybody who watched Beason play the amount of passion he has for football. The team’s first-round draft choice was initially insurance for injury-prone Dan Morgan, but when Morgan was again lost for the season, Beason flourished.

He began the year as the first Panthers linebacker to start as a rookie since Morgan in 2001, playing alongside the vet at outside linebacker. Once Morgan went down, Beason assumed the middle spot.

“(The middle) is definitely a comfort level,” Beason said. “You can go sideline to sideline, and you’re expected to make a play. There’s definitely a mystique about that position. You go out there with a swagger and almost a cockiness that you’re the man.”

He not only became the first rookie to lead Carolina in tackles, but his 160 was a team record as he led or tied for the team-high in tackles in 13 of 16 games. Following through on his own words, Beason had a season-high 17 with a forced fumble against Dallas.

The 6-foot, 237-pound Beason is regularly credited, along with safety Chris Harris, for bringing a level of joy and intensity to playing that uplifts the team as a whole.

“He just brings a certain type of energy to the defense,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said.

In just his second season, Beason has claimed ownership of that defense, something he earned both by his play and his abundant enthusiasm. With the retirements the past two years of long-standing leaders Mike Minter and Mike Rucker, coupled with the low-key demeanor of the team’s biggest star Julius Peppers, the Panthers need all Beason can give physically and verbally.

“I’m not one to bite my tongue,” Beason said. “I try not to be a hypocrite. I make sure I take care of home before I open my mouth. I think leading by example is the key. This year I want to do my job, do it well, and hopefully the defense follows me.”

(goupstate.com)