Panthers’ Jonathon Brooks drops ‘pretty amazing’ reaction to 1st NFL touchdown

Jonathon Brooks finally found the end zone. The Carolina Panthers running back made sure the moment meant far more than a preseason statistic. Starting with the first-team offense during Friday’s 34-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brooks capped a seven-play, 58-yard opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. He then touched the tattoo honoring his late father, James “Skip” Brooks, before pointing toward the sky.

For the younger Brooks, the milestone represented the culmination of an arduous rehabilitation journey and a promise shared with his father years earlier.

“A lot of excitement,” Brooks said afterward, describing the moment as “pretty amazing” while crediting his faith and perseverance. “I know it doesn’t really count for the books, but for me, it’s everything,” he added. “It’s something that me and my father have talked about since I was younger.”

The touchdown carries particular weight considering the obstacles Brooks has faced since entering the NFL. Selected 46th overall by Carolina in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas, Brooks arrived as one of the most highly regarded backs in his class while recovering from a collegiate ACL injury. He debuted late that season. Brooks appeared in three games with one start and recording 22 rushing yards on nine carries plus three receptions for 23 yards before another knee setback ended his campaign.

He then missed the entire 2025 season while continuing his rehabilitation. Now healthy and back in Carolina’s plans for 2026, Brooks has impressed throughout training camp with the burst and vision that made him such a coveted prospect. His first NFL touchdown may not count toward his regular-season statistics. Emotionally, though, Brooks made clear it counts for everything.