There haven't been many niche players who had as large of a fan base for a three-year windw as Hunter Renfrow did. From 2019 through 2021, the star slot target became one of the most recognizable role players in the NFL. He peaked with a Pro Bowl season in 2021 before injuries coincided with a sudden massive drop in production.
Everyone assumed that when Hunter was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, concussions caused the end of his career. Despite playing in 17 games in his final season, he failed to make any impact while Josh McDaniels was his coach. That seemed like a perfect fit.
After sitting out the 2024 season, Renfrow is back in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers welcomed him back on a one-year deal. But the remarkable part came with the revelation Renforw gave in his signing announcement.
Renfrow pulled the curtain back about his incredible health recovery from a near-fatal experience.
"Renfrow said that the challenges he's dealt with stemmed from a diagnosis of the autoimmune condition ulcerative colitis, which had left him with weight loss, fatigue, and high fevers.
"It kicked my butt pretty good," Renfrow said. "Last year, I fluctuated in weight; I went down to 150 pounds. I had like seven straight days of 103-degree fevers. It's tough to play when you're not feeling great."
He said he's "actually a little heavy now," but said that meant being around 187 pounds instead of 185. "I was eating too many Oreos at night; I've got to run a little more," he joked.
At Clemson, Renfrow was a key contributor to the 2016 National Championship team, earning First-Team All-ACC honors and the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s top walk-on in 2018. His clutch performances, including the game-winning touchdown catch in the 2016 title game, cemented his college legacy.
Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Renfrow quickly established himself as a dependable slot receiver.
In his rookie season, he recorded 49 receptions for 605 yards and four touchdowns, showing promise as a precise route-runner. His breakout came in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a two-year, $32.3 million extension in 2022. Renfrow’s sure hands and ability to find soft spots in defenses made him a favorite target for quarterbacks like Derek Carr.
However, his production dipped in 2022 (36 receptions, 330 yards, two touchdowns) due to a crowded receiver room and coaching changes.
In 2023, Renfrow’s role further diminished, with only 25 catches for 255 yards as the Raiders shifted offensive priorities. Released in March 2024 to clear cap space, he sat out the 2024 NFL season, remaining unsigned despite interest from teams. Renfrow’s NFL accolades include ranking among the league’s top slot receivers and a 2021 Pro Bowl alternate nod.
His career totals include 247 receptions, 2,884 yards, and 17 touchdowns over five seasons, all with the Raiders.
He's hoping he can compete for a roster spot with the Panthers, but he's also looking to enjoy the experience.
"It's going to be a cool opportunity to meet them," Renfrow said of his new teammates. "One of the reasons why I wanted to come back, my thought process was, I want to really enjoy the time with the receivers and time with the team and time with my teammates and just be the best teammate I can.
"I want to be real intentional about that and try to lock in and get in with the guys and have a good time and, and just be a resource any way I can."
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