Carolina Panthers assistant Daren Bates gets the picture.
The former NFL linebacker-turned-coach, who will help out on special teams beginning in 2024, was one of the handful of fresh hires made to the team’s staff this offseason. And with a new job comes new perks, including something Bates was desperately in need of . . .
Ain’t no way I haven’t took a head shot since 2016!! #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/nZ1Cc8vOJE
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) February 17, 2024
Well, Bates is spot on. The photo in that graphic was taken ahead of the 2016 campaign, when he suited up for the then-Oakland Raiders.
That season was one of nine in the NFL for the once-undrafted free agent. The Auburn University product also picked up stops with the St. Louis Rams (2013 to 2015), Tennessee Titans (2017 to 2020), Houston Texans (2020) and Atlanta Falcons (2021).
Bates then began his coaching career as an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023.
So, naturally, he wanted himself an updated head shot . . .
When I get a proper Panthers photo. I’ll change my avi lol
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) February 17, 2024
Ya hear me 😂 https://t.co/T8tfmDgj2S
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) February 17, 2024
The quest took its next step on Feb. 20, when Bates tweeted the following:
Finally took a Panthers photo lol
— Daren Bates (@DB_5trey) February 20, 2024
Oh, and The Raw Room podcast, hosted by Bates and fellow NFL veterans Jalen Collins and King Dunlap, had a little fun with it . . .
The photo: https://t.co/neZQ6pfxGn pic.twitter.com/AhLkGluksR
— Raw Room (@Raw__Room) February 20, 2024
Nevertheless, the journey continued. In fact, as today, we may be able to say that it has officially ended . . .
Now that’s a head shot!
