CHARLOTTE — A.J. Bouye hasn't even turned 30 yet. He'll do that 22 days from now during training camp.
But the veteran cornerback aged considerably in the 22 days between the day he agreed to terms with the Panthers (April 7) and the day they drafted cornerback Jaycee Horn in the first round (April 29).
That's the day he went from an experienced and pretty good cornerback with a Pro Bowl on his own resume, to the official old guy in the room, the one the Panthers will count on to shepherd the new bright shining light at the position.
"I realized when I was visiting teams this offseason that that label was starting to be put on me," Bouye said of being considered a wise elder. "I could have fought it. A few years ago I probably would have.
"But I also realize I'm not going to be in the league 20 years, so part of what I have to do is help the next generation of guys be ready, the same way guys helped me when I was young."
The Panthers were a little bit desperate for help when they got Bouye aboard. They had one starting-caliber corner in Donte Jackson, and if Bouye's arrival was the last of the key additions to the secondary, they'd have still been better than they were a year ago. He was a second-team All-Pro pick in 2017, so it hasn't been that long since he was considered one of the best cover men in the league.
The addition of Horn meant that Bouye would need to adjust the role he planned to play on the field. While he's had success playing outside, he's smart enough to play in the slot, where they could maximize the skills of Jackson and Horn. That's not an inconsequential move. While the slot corner is often considered the "third guy," it's not nearly the third-most-complicated role to play.
"I didn't know this was going to be the deal when I came here," Bouye said. "Of course, when I visited, I didn't know who they were going to draft. Once they drafted Jaycee, I pretty much knew."
But his adjustments go beyond playing a slightly different position. Bouye has also taken on the role of teacher, and the Panthers have been extremely pleased with how quickly he's taken to that part of the job.
"A.J. Bouye, I'm so impressed with him," Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said during minicamp. "He's played a long time, but he comes in with a humility to want to learn our system."
Coaches talk up players all the time. There was a different tone when Rhule dished out that particular bit of praise, however, a note of something approaching surprise, but more of genuine respect, almost a peer-level understanding. Bouye gets it, and realizing that they found a guy that gets it makes the reconstruction of the secondary that much easier.
That kind of maturity isn't the kind of thing you can take for granted. Not every player reaches that point.
But Bouye is at peace with the fact he's in a bit of a transitional phase in his career, and seems to relish it, knowing that Horn is the kind of pupil that can reflect well on those who teach him.
"For good or bad, you're going to have a legacy in this league," Bouye said. "I had to decide what mine was going to be.
"I want to be the guy who is watching in five years, and sees an All-Pro cornerback out there, collecting all those honors. He can do that. If I can do anything to help him get there, that's my job now."
Less accomplished players settle into such roles all the time. For the Panthers, finding one who can still play and also be trusted to lead, was a huge step for their defense.
View photos of cornerback A.J. Bouye through the years with Houston, Jacksonville and Denver.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) celebrates a defensive stand against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) is congratulated by Antonio Smith (94) and J.J. Watt during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) stands on the sidelines during anthem before the first half of an AFC Wild Card NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) drops a pass against Houston Texans' A.J. Bouye (21) during the second half of an AFC Wild Card NFL game Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Jacksonville Jaguars' A.J. Bouye reacts after he made an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Jacksonville Jaguars' A.J. Bouye celebrates his interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Rams won 27-17. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye , right, intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) intercepts the ball intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) celebrates after his team recovered a fumble in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (21) can't hold onto a pass on with Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defending during the second half of an NFL divisional football AFC playoff game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. The Jaguars won 45-41. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) celebrates a big play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) encourages fans in the stands during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye runs to cover a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) on the field during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chiefs defeated the Jaguars 40-26. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 file photo,Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) on the field during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Jacksonville, Fla. Defensive backs AJ Bouye and Johnathan Joseph will to use the Jaguars-Texans game in London on Nov. 3, 2019 to raise awareness of the fight against cancer. Bouye and Joseph, who have both lost parents to cancer, will donate their tickets to a lucky fan in an effort to raise more awareness for the NFL's Crucial Catch's mission. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts, File)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) sets up for a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye, right, intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Vyncint Smith (17) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones (27) runs the ball while being tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 file photo,Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) on the field during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Jacksonville, Fla. Newly acquired cornerback A.J. Bouye learned quite a bit from Chris Harris Jr. He will now be stepping in for the Denver Broncos defensive back. Bouye was acquired in a recent deal with Jacksonville. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts, File)
Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) signals a missed field goal as Tennessee Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) watches the ball miss the uprights during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends on the play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct.. 25, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) tries to catch a pass as Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
En foto del 22 de noviembre del 2020, el cornerback de los Broncos de Denver A.J. Bouye celebra en el juego ante los Dolphins de Miami. el miércoles 9 de diciembre del 2020 Bouye fue suspendidos seis encuentros por violar as políticas de sustancias para mejorar el rendimiento. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye takes the field for the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) celebrates after returning and interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) celebrates after returning and interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) hits Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tre McBride (16) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. The Texans won 34-6. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) reacts after breaking up a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) returns an interception against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Houston. The Texans won 45-21. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) intercepts the ball in front of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (NFL Photos via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) catch a pass for a touchdown over Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defenders Quintin Demps (27) and A.J. Bouye, left, break up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) heads to the end zone past Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, left, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, right, after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) talks with referee Ed Hochuli (85) before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Houston Texans' A.J. Bouye (34) makes an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Indianapolis. Houston won 16-10. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
