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March 25, 2008
Panthers sign guard Fonoti
The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent guard Toniu Fonoti, a former second-round draft choice who has been in and out of the league in recent seasons because of weight problems.
The Panthers hope Fonoti (6-foot-4, 350 pounds), can compete for playing time at guard.
San Diego picked him in the second round of the 2002 draft. He started 14 games for the Chargers as a rookie, then spent the next season on injured reserve. In 2004, he started 16 games as San Diego went 12-4. Sports Illustrated named him first team All-Pro.
After another injury and with his weight reportedly up to about 390, the Chargers traded him to Minnesota in 2005. He didn’t last with the Vikings. Atlanta signed him last March, but released him during training camp.
CHARLES CHANDLER
Posted by Observer Sports on March 25, 2008 at 03:15 PM | Permalink
Comments
Wow we are getting a guard with weight problems. hooray?, wow this should be interesting. He better be good and stay in shape!
Posted by: Beasons-A-Beast | Mar 25, 2008 3:33:19 PM
I would say that this makes it more likely that we will draft a DL player in the 1st round.
Posted by: Ryan H | Mar 25, 2008 3:36:07 PM
Thanks for the info. But he seems like busts. Do you know anything else about him. Does he at least have his weight under control? Is he in playing condition? Will he be reporting tomorrow for workouts?
Posted by: JayJ6 | Mar 25, 2008 3:39:06 PM
OK so we trade jenkins who the panthers complained was over weight alot during his career but sign a guard with the same habit? Go figure
Posted by: chad | Mar 25, 2008 3:47:36 PM
Interesting I must say I have been very! critical of panthers off-season moves or lack there of and I think fox and Hurney are idiots! when it comes to personal moves. but you know what I like this move! I really do the guy is still young and he has talent. He was named all-Pro just a few seasons ago. No one could get playing time on that Offensive line in Minnisota...so I dismiss that.....as for Atlanta....come on...that franchise is becoming almost as much of a joke as we are....when it comes to personal choices...(trading D-hall was retarded!) But the guy has talent he has youth..and MOST IMPORTANT he has SIZE!! I can deal with a Guard who's over weight rather than deal with one who's UNDER WEIGHT! (like Whale or Mathis) Sure he may have some problems pulling...but you won't have to worry about him getting blown! into the back field....like Mathis/whale/kalil do often. Good Job Furney!! and I never praise him for anything.
ps.
I think panthers have to do D-line in 1st rd since o-lineman are so deep and d-lineman are not! especially if Dorsey falls out the top 5....we almost have to trade up as I envision him as a all pro for a long long time.
Posted by: crboddie@hotmail.com | Mar 25, 2008 3:57:35 PM
That dude is massive. Search for pics. The wiki entry on him has this: He has been rumored to be one of the heaviest football players of all time.
Posted by: Ashe | Mar 25, 2008 3:58:15 PM
Now Maake has someone to go to the Buffet with.
Posted by: rhackney | Mar 25, 2008 4:11:39 PM
I heard that Jake D had a bionic arm installed rather than "Tommy John surgery", and Fonoti is actually an expert at bionic maintenance, so this was a splendid pick up. A+ Cats Brass.
Posted by: Oscar Catfan Goldman | Mar 25, 2008 4:16:40 PM
A weight problem - are you serious? That is NOT a problem. They do have top notch trainers they work with and besides - carrying around an extra 50 lbs. for a couple years should help with quickness and footwork. Not a bad pickup - dont expect too much though.
Posted by: James327 | Mar 25, 2008 4:30:52 PM
Chad, you are full of negativity and insults, aren't you. (notice that that senctence was ended with a period) What this means is the Panthers just signed a player that played at a high caliber level in the NFL at one point in his career, for a very low cost to the organization. If he pans out, than he is a steal... if he doesn't than next to nothing will be lost. But I'm sure someone with your great intelligence already knew that. Which brings me back to my original statement. You are just full of piss and vinegar, aren't you(.) BTW, cyber-bullying is illegal in NC. Do it again and I will have you reported.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 4:45:56 PM
ESPN the Magazine writes...
Day-yamn! Look at the size of this guy’s friggin’ face. Sitting on a huge torso on the other side of the line is a melon that looks like it’s about to burst through the thin red bars that bind it. Gillenwater blinks away the disbelief, regains his composure and glares at the ball, watching for the snap. But when it comes, Gillenwater, a mere waif at 263 pounds, is lost before he can even react. A huge flash of red crashes into his chest like a fire truck, sending him flying from the line. And as Gillenwater lies on the turf, his senses scrambled, a deep menacing belly laugh draws him back to reality. Welcome to the world of Toniu Fonoti.
To his opponents, Nebraska’s 6'4", 363-pound guard doesn’t even appear human. He’s more like a rhino with a goatee. His head is as big as a beer keg; his calves are Virginia Hams. And the rhino part? Milt Tenopir, the Huskers’ crusty OL coach, has seen his linemen collect six of Nebraska’s record eight Outland Trophies, and says Toniu (ta-NOO) is the school’s best ever. “His level of intensity is overpowering,” says Tenopir.
As a sophomore last season, Fonoti set the school record with 155 pancake blocks, inspiring awestruck teammates to nickname him God. It’s a mark he’s already passed this fall. And if his 20 pancakes against Baylor on Oct. 13 and his 32 against Texas Tech a week later aren’t enough to re-circuit your brain, consider this:
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 5:25:20 PM
I would say this makes it more likely the Panthers will draft a RB in round 1........Choke on that.
Posted by: Stoker Ace | Mar 25, 2008 5:31:31 PM
theres been reports the panthers are gona hold a private workout with mendenhall, although it may just be a smoke screen to get other teams to trade up who cuvit him...nice move either way
Posted by: randy | Mar 25, 2008 5:51:07 PM
SYRPIS, you may be the most pathetic sissy boy loser I've ever seen post on a blog anywhere. Cyber bullying? Lay off the acid man, what the hell are you talking about? And what do you think it is you are doing by talking smack to that guy?
I have no doubt that you get your ass kicked regularly in the non-cyber real world.
Posted by: Harry Gonads | Mar 25, 2008 5:54:39 PM
I'm confused. How does signing a big fat, once good but no longer O-lineman that will likely get cut in camp (kenyatta walker) convince you all that we'll go D-line in the first round?
You think tubby here, who is a guard and not even a tackle, solves the OL problems?
Not understanding that...
Posted by: Bd | Mar 25, 2008 5:57:28 PM
why sign someone like that he better be good that all i got to say!
Posted by: paul | Mar 25, 2008 5:58:30 PM
I heard Toniu Fonoti went into a restaurant and ate everything in the restaurant and they had to close the restaurant.
Posted by: Ralph Wiggum | Mar 25, 2008 5:58:58 PM
Give a man a fish, and you will feed him for a day. Give a man anything that is better than a fish, and Toniu Fonoti will beat his ass and take it.
Posted by: Chuck Norris | Mar 25, 2008 6:28:23 PM
I like this pick up!!! Despite everyone thinking it's a waste of time and money, I definitely think it's worth the minimal risk. Worst-case scenario, we cut him. Best-case scenario, he returns to the form he once was. I've been watching Husker football my entire life, and trust me, this guy was a beast...and not for the crappy finesse teams of years present...he was a beast for the grind 'em out Huskers of old. If the Panthers are trying to reestablish the O-Line and emphasize the running game, Toniu Fonoti won't hurt a bit!!! Most people posting don't seem to know much about him, and I know he's been a bust for a couple of teams, but if he gets a fire lit under him and is inspired to play football, he truly is an All-Pro...so I ask you: isn't it worth a low salary and a roster spot going into camp?
Posted by: Panther fan from NU | Mar 25, 2008 8:53:09 PM
I absolutely agree. I am not a husker fan, but I do remember him consistently mauling defenses. He can provide a push to the line of scrimmage.
Posted by: Will Parker | Mar 25, 2008 9:09:40 PM
Harry Gonads, talk is cheap. And as cyber-bullying is concerned, why else would you be hiding behind an alias... or is it that you are the one that is the "sissy, blah blah blah" :)
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 9:51:18 PM
And as far as what previously transpired between C-H-A-D and I are is between him and I. Just for the record, as Rambo would say, he drew first blood. I was merely responding in a non-derogatory (ableit extremely cynical) way. But you are right, that is hypocritical and I wish to let by-gones be bygones. Regardless, cyber-bullying is illegal in many states, including North Carolina... FYI. Were I emotionally fragile/suicidal and offed myself because of Chad's or harry balls' comments, all three of you would be charged. I was just giving Chad a fair shake with a warning, because it is pretty obvious that not too many people are aware of that. Fact is, there are too many online tough guys in this world and too many unstable people that take online comments to heart. So you can thank them for this new legislation. Regardless, anyone who slanders or insults me or my reputation will be heald accountable, whether its coming from an immature wannabe or not. Just so you'll know, I've already reported one person, and will do it again. Ciao for now. :)
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 10:04:46 PM
*held responsible
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 10:06:20 PM
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying?gclid=CKr2wNqCqpICFRQzkgod31zaLw
Posted by: SYRPIS | Mar 25, 2008 10:18:05 PM
Whatever man, you've got problems. So basically between what you just told us and what is on that link, you are saying you are a suicidal teenager? Perhaps you should seek treatment instead of spending time on blogs since you apparently aren't stable enough for this "bully environment" we've got here. I mean, you really don't contribute anything and just waste peoples time. I also would like you to show me where in this blog I was "bullying" you? This is the first time I've clicked on this blog and is my first post, and it sucks I even have to acknowledge you and type all this crap. You are delusional man, let it go and get some help.
Posted by: Chad | Mar 26, 2008 4:38:51 AM
anyway, enough of that. sorry dude, lets keep this Panthers-related ok.
Fonoti is a good signing assuming this is a minimum $ amount, 1 year max deal. Worst case he pushes Mathis, Vincent and Bridges in camp and then gets cut. Best case he beats one of those guys out, manages his weight and contributes this season. Low risk high reward, like most of the other offseason signings...
Posted by: Chad | Mar 26, 2008 5:49:33 AM
It is impossible to slander someone in print. Slander is done through spoken word. Libel is done through print. Just some basic tort law since we are making all the laws clear.
Posted by: Slander Shmander | Mar 26, 2008 6:14:28 AM
Further, truth is an affirmative defense to this "slander." I shouldn't have said that, McGruff the Crime Dog will knock at my door later.
Posted by: LeeL | Mar 26, 2008 6:40:14 AM
That man is fat!
Posted by: Rosie O'Donnell | Mar 26, 2008 7:02:06 AM
the school yard banter going on here is quite silly and has nothing to do with panthers football. Quite frankly no one cares about your little squabbles so take it outside losers...
Posted by: freestevesmith | Mar 26, 2008 7:21:00 AM
This move makes perfect sense. The panthers are trying to get bigger on the offensive line. A bigger offensive line works better with the power running game that the panthers have tried to use for years. Unfortunately the panthers have had a power running plan with slash personnel in Deshawn, Deangelo and a smaller more athletic line. Now the Panthers will have the Offensive line needed to run a solid power game for short yardage with toefield and Hover as well as give Jake time to throw to Hacket and Smith. Deangelo will be the starter but expect him to average about 3 yards per carry when he doesn't break for an 80 yard touchdown. Don't be surprised if most of Deangelo's touches come on short passes like screen plays where he can excell.
Posted by: Apollo | Mar 26, 2008 8:02:11 AM
Bring on Mendenhall or Felix Jones through a trade down.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Mar 26, 2008 8:24:27 AM
It is good to see the Panthers going after guys who possibly could help our Franchise and apparently it works to give players second chances in a good environment. Look at New England and Dallas success stories. Perhaps it could work here. Our line on both sides of the ball needs help with big guys. We cannot hold them out long enough to run or pass. Good work Panthers!
Posted by: John Brannen | Mar 26, 2008 9:07:40 AM
I think the timing was right to sign him now because this give T.Fonoti time to see if he really want to play football in this league anymore & get his weight in check.I'm sure he was dieing last season knowing that no team wanted him.The Panthers off season i think has been good not great because the didn't put there future at risk with all these high dollar player that never turn out to be different makers.If this guy decide he want to be the player he was in SD when he was crushing D-Linemen or be the overweight bum the choice is his.We can cut him with no price to pay.
Posted by: Damon | Mar 26, 2008 10:51:15 AM
Ghost of Sparta, now we talking. You are right on Q. Mendenhall or Felix Jones will be it. Thanks for noticing.
Posted by: Panther Fan D | Mar 26, 2008 7:14:07 PM
damn i always thought our fans r strange wellll now i have seen it all ..you children go to your room while the GROWN-UPS talk football. dag
Posted by: daryl | Mar 26, 2008 7:14:33 PM
You got to think, this signing opens the door for us to pickup a stud running back or a solid DE. I gotta think we'll go with a Defensive end. We've always been a more defensive minded team, plus I think Toefield will surprise a lot of us. I don't know his background but I also thought Alex Haynes showed promise last preseason, guess we'll see.
Posted by: MikeD | Mar 26, 2008 7:51:34 PM
You got to think, this signing opens the door for us to pickup a stud running back or a solid DE. I gotta think we'll go with a Defensive end. We've always been a more defensive minded team, plus I think Toefield will surprise a lot of us. I don't know his background but I also thought Alex Haynes showed promise last preseason, guess we'll see.
Posted by: MikeD | Mar 26, 2008 8:00:05 PM
hEY maybe they will line up Two-Ton Toniu as DT with he's brother Kemo hah!I dear anyone to run up the gut on us!(no pun intended)
Posted by: Two Birds | Mar 26, 2008 8:07:50 PM
Gotta be a Rb,my thinking behind this is Lets say Dlo gets hurt,that leaves Toefield(1 year contract),Goings (Dan Morgans concussion brother) and then Alex Haynes who will proabably be put back on the practice Squad.So we have 2 solid options at hb in DLo and Toefield possibly,then a practice Squad player as well as Goings with health concerns.Its just a better option to pick up a between the Tackles back to compliment Dlo than A De which we are deep at,even moreso with Ruckers one year farewell tour coming up. (No it hasnt happened yet,but will)Hb is a bigger need and gives the Panthers a solid 2 punch combo for the next few years.However Dt is a need as well,moreso than DE.BRING ON THE BETWEEN THE TACKLES RB and this offense is on point and very,very well rounded.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Mar 26, 2008 8:18:19 PM
Cyber Bullying is a serious offense.........Lmfao.I still cant get over this one.Sounds like someone needs to take some midol..........
Posted by: Stroker Ace | Mar 26, 2008 9:08:15 PM
alot of people aren't taking into consideration that Kris Jenkins was taking a big contract...this guy was signed to a small deal..if he gets in shape and starts playing right we've got a guy who can play right guard well..if he doesn't well at least he isn't taking a huge contract
Posted by: Sir Auron | Mar 26, 2008 11:15:52 PM
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Posted by: eabmjp xaepu | Aug 13, 2008 12:16:37 PM
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