Former South Carolina running back Rico Dowdle has secured a new opportunity in the NFL, signing a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. After a standout 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and totaled more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage, Dowdle’s performance has earned him a deal reportedly worth just over $6 million.
Joining the Panthers, Dowdle will pair with Chuba Hubbard in the team’s backfield, creating a dynamic rushing duo. His move to Carolina also reunites him with several former Gamecock teammates, including Jaycee Horn, DJ Wonnum, Xavier Legette, and Jadeveon Clowney. Horn recently made headlines by becoming the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
The transition to Charlotte brings Dowdle closer to home, with both his college alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, nearby. His success in 2024 marked his first significant role in an NFL offense after overcoming injuries throughout his college and professional career. He set a Cowboys franchise record for rushing yards by an undrafted player with 1,079.
While Dowdle is expected to share carries in Carolina, the reduced workload may help him maintain his health as he continues to build on his breakout season. During his time at South Carolina, he rushed for 2,167 yards, ranking 14th in program history, and remains one of only eight Gamecock players to record a 200-yard rushing game.
