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Mike Tolbert News & Rumors

Tolbert gives Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton another offensive weapon
March 20
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Tom Sorensen
"Mike Tolbert is the Carolina Panthers new starting fullback. I can't remember who their old starting fullback was, except that it was not Brad Hoover. Last season a fullback was as essential as a rotary phone. The beauty of the offense is that it is not static. Rules are few, options many. The quarterback catches passes, receivers throw passes and on third and long offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski does not feel obligated to call a draw play."
Now a Carolina Panther, RB Mike Tolbert 'coming home'
March 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers' "Double Trouble" running back tandem has become the "Triple Threat." Free agent running back Mike Tolbert signed a 4-year contract with the Panthers on Monday, joining a crowded backfield that featured DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart the past four seasons. Tolbert, a 5-foot-9, 243-pounder, was San Diego's leading rusher in 2010 when he ran for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns. But the Panthers say they plan to use him as a fullback and have no intention of trading Stewart, who is entering the final year of his contract, or Williams, who signed a 5-year, $43?million extension last summer."
Tolbert agrees to four-year deal with Panthers
March 19
NFL.com
 
"Ex-Chargers fullback Mike Tolbert has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Panthers, a league source said Monday. Tolbert carried the ball 121 times for 490 yards with eight touchdowns in 2011, adding 433 yards and two more TDs as a receiver."
Source: Carolina Panthers, RB Mike Tolbert in talks
March 19
Charlotte Observer
 
"Free-agent running back Mike Tolbert will meet with the Panthers' coaching staff Monday at Bank of America Stadium after having dinner with team officials Sunday night in Charlotte, according to a league source. Tolbert, who played in San Diego when Panthers coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski were on the Chargers' staff, also has drawn interest from San Francisco, Kansas City and Pittsburgh."
Chiefs to meet with free agent Mike Tolbert
March 13
Pro Football Talk
 
"Peyton Hillis isn't the only "big back" visiting the Kansas City Chiefs. Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will be hosting free agent Mike Tolbert on Wednesday. Tolbert, a 5-foot-9, 243-pound bowling ball with surprising versatility, might be a slightly cheaper power back option to complement starter Jamaal Charles."
Tolbert doubtful for Chargers' Monday matchup with Chiefs
October 30
NFL.com
 
"San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert is listed as doubtful for Monday night's divisional matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs with hand and hamstring injuries. Tolbert did not participate in practice this week as he nursed the hamstring injury aggravated in last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings. Curtis Brinkley will likely serve as the backup to Chargers starter Ryan Mathews."
Mathews, Tolbert on record pace
October 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"They're back, though it remains to be seen if they will get back on their extraordinary pass-catching pace. A strained calf and a concussion slowed their assault on the record book, but Chargers running backs Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert returned to practice Monday and, seemingly fully healthy, are still on track to cover more ground through the air than any running back tandem in NFL history."
Hester the lone runner left after injuries
October 10
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"At this time, perhaps a resume review is in order. Mike Tolbert knows it by heart. "Jacob Hester," said Tolbert. "Look at him. All-SEC running back, LSU, national champions. He's a natural running back who had to learn to be a fullback. Never any doubt he could handle the job." The job's a dangerous one — running back in the NFL — and the perils of the position are becoming painfully clear to a Chargers team that's been beaming over the balance its ground game has been providing. Their win over the Denver Broncos ended, however, with Hester at running back and tight end Randy McMichael in Hester's fullback spot."
Tolbert takes blame after experiencing flip side of fame
September 19
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Mike Tolbert dressed with his back turned toward the crowd, and slowly enough for reporters to study the Bible verse tattooed beneath his shoulder blades. It was Corinthians 13:11, an apt expression of maturity and, on this day, accountability: "When I was a child, I spake as a child. … When I became a man, I put away childish things." Tolbert probably has enough epidermis to quote longer passages, but the Chargers' beefy running back is a man who specializes in getting straight to the point. His running style is as North/South as a battering ram, and there's barely a wiggle to be found among his words."
Mathews, Tolbert are 1, 1a for Chargers
August 16
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"There is not a question. Ryan Mathews is the Chargers' featured tailback. He will be "on the field a lot," according to head coach Norv Turner. Do not let what happened last season or last month or last week confuse the reality. After being drafted 12th overall in 2010, Mathews stumbled and was stripped. Mike Tolbert stepped in and stepped up. Mathews wasn't in tip-top shape at the start of camp. Tolbert hit the practice field running. Mathews missed almost half of the first two weeks of practice. Tolbert never stopped running. In the Chargers' preseason opener on Thursday, Tolbert got the start. It was painted as more a reward for Tolbert than a punishment to Mathews. "He's been at every"