CHARLOTTE – Charles Johnson was a blue-collar creator of chaos for opposing quarterbacks, a hard-working, hard-charging defensive end who bled black and blue from his first day in the NFL until his last.
Thursday, after 11 standout seasons with the Panthers, Johnson made official what he had known in his heart since late last season: His playing days are over.
"Panthers, I'm going to love y'all forever," Johnson said during his farewell speech in the standing-room only team meeting room at Bank of America Stadium, making clear that his debt of gratitude to the Panthers and to his friends, family and football family will endure.
"I love this organization, love everything about it. I loved these 11 years with this organization," Johnson said. "It's just a blessing to be a part of this organization and this community because this community has shown me so much love that it makes me cry – but I'm not going to cry today. It's amazing."
Johnson brought his lunch pail to the stadium every day for more than a decade and was richly rewarded come Sundays with the second-most sacks in franchise history and with one of the most lucrative contracts in franchise history.
The 2007 third-round draft choice's breakout season in 2010 jumpstarted a five-year stretch over which he ranked fifth in the NFL with 52.5 sacks. It also helped him net a six-year contract prior to the 2011 season that earned him the nickname "Big Money" but that eventually put his time with the Panthers in jeopardy.
Johnson was released following the 2015 season in a cost-cutting move, but after he flirted with continuing his career elsewhere, the two sides reunited less than a week later and he played what proved to be his final two seasons in Carolina.
"Tampa offered me the most money, but it was just awkward. It was just a different vibe. I couldn't do it," Johnson said. "Once you show me love, I'm always going to show you love. If you show me loyalty, I'm going to show you loyalty. That's just the kind of guy I am."
Johnson showed the love Thursday to those who gathered in his honor, and they showered him with the same. Among the gobs of gratitude he expressed over nearly 30 minutes at the podium, Johnson singled out still-contributing Carolina legends Thomas Davis and Julius Peppers.
Davis and Johnson go back to their days together at the University of Georgia, when Davis became a mentor for Johnson before the two came together on the pro level a couple of years later.
"TD is a legend at Georgia. TD always brought it," Johnson said. "I learned a lot from that guy and the way he played with such intensity. The way he hit, that made you want to hit like that, made you want to do stuff like that."
Johnson admitted that he arrived at college from the small Georgia town of Hawkinsville uninterested in school but also at times uninspired to bring his best to the football field. He credited Davis among other for setting him on the right path.
"It hit me: If you keep working at something every day, every single day, and you max out on the opportunities every single day, you can change your mindset because I was lazy," Johnson said with a chuckle, crediting 5:30 a.m. runs mandated by his poor study habits for helping develop his fierce football habits.
"When I got to Georgia, school wasn't for me. I'm not a school guy. All I was was football. That's all I knew, so that's all I worked on."
His education included an occasional break for the football field itself, but he didn't stray too far. Through time spent playing the Madden video game, he was introduced to Peppers before meeting him for real.
"I used to play Madden, and I'd play with Carolina. They've got this big 6-6 freak of nature on the Carolina Panthers," Johnson said. "And then when I get to the Carolina Panthers, I'm playing with this guy.
"Pep ain't saying nothing to me, ain't speaking me," Johnson continued, making eye contact with Peppers sitting in the middle of the meeting room. "It took time for him to even grow on me, but the whole time, I was watching you. … I tried to mold my game after you."
Assistant defensive line coach Sam Mills III, the only coach on staff for Johnson's entire playing career, credited Johnson for drilling a relentless work ethic into the defense that still endures. But Johnson credited those who came before him for being the creators, then challenged the sizable group of current defensive players gathered for Thursday's ceremony to continue the cause.
"You hear everybody else talking about the legacy I'm leaving, but y'all set that legacy for me," Johnson said to the likes of Peppers and Mike Rucker before turning to the current players. "It's going to be time for y'all to do that right now. You don't really think about it in-depth, but everything you do is going to set the standard for the people that are coming behind you. You're not even going to realize it until it's over, so this is the time to max out the opportunities."
That's what Johnson did for more than a decade, outworking the opposition to set up his day of celebration.
Next up for the 32-year-old? "Chilling, playing golf a little bit, and watching my boys play on Sundays."
"When you give it all, give everything to one team, to one organization, when you're all-in, it's a lot," Johnson said. "Eleven years with the same organization? I've seen the ups. I've seen the downs. I've seen the highs. I've seen the lows. I've seen new coaches, new people, some of the same people. It's all a blessing. I don't take it for granted. I loved it. I lived it. I loved it.
"I had a ball with y'all boys. I had a ball."
View some of the best photos of Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson throughout his career.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) points as he and defensive end Charles Johnson (95) walk off the field during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-10 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin (22) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95)gestures during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Charlotte, NC, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) before an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The Panthers won 35-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Umpire Roy Ellison (81) moves in to break up Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) and Tennessee Titans' David Stewart (76) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. Johnson was called for a personal foul, extending a Titans' drive. The Tennessee Titans won 30-3. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) is introduced before an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Freeman (5) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends in an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh McCown (12) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) celebrates sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) (not pictured) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. The Panthers won, 16-10. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) is brought down by Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50), cornerback Chris Gamble (20), and defensive end Charles Johnson (95)during the first half of their NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) tries the thorw a pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends during the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-23 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Warner thres for 381 yards and two touchdowns. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, front, loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson, back, during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. The Panthers recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson, left, tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 30, 2011. Minnesota won 24-21. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
Carolina Panthers practice at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, December 23, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, October 20, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panthers play against the Miami Dolphins during week ten of the regular season on Monday, November 13, 2017, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers practice on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58), Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28), Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95), Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) express themselves during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) shows his muscle on the line during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) rushes the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) makes a move against Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) leads the team in a pre-game rally prior to the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10. (Jim Mahoney via AP).
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) kisses the George Halas Trophy after the NFC Championship football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday, January 24, 2016. The Panthers won 49-15 and advance to Super Bowl 50. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) is shown during a press conference in San Jose, Calif. The Carolina Panthers released longtime defensive end Charles Johnson on Thursday, a move that will save the team $11 million under the 2016 NFL salary cap. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and defensive end Charles Johnson (95) during warm ups prior to Super Bowl 50 championship football game on Sunday, February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won the game 24-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) yells during Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers , Sunday, February 6, 2016, in Santa Clara, CA. The Broncos won 28-10. (Tom Hauck via AP)
