HARVEST- A dream come true, a couple continued treks and a disappointment beyond belief are what has happened to four NFL players with local ties as the 2024 season gets underway. Dell Pettus, Jordan Matthews, LaBryan Ray and Monty Rice each have their own emotions after the team for which they have played for made its 53-player limit to kick off the upcoming campaign.

Matthews, nine-year veteran of the NFL and former Madison Academy All-State receiver, was released by the Carolina Panthers after what many believe was a good pre-season for the Panthers at tight end. The 6-foot-3, 236-pound Matthews joined the Panthers’ practice squad during October of the 2023 season as he was in the midst of making the move to tight end from his previous wide receiver position. For the 77 games in his career, Matthews caught 274 passes for 3,288 yards and 22 touchdowns. Much of his past success came from the three seasons he played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

For Pettus, an un-drafted rookie out of Troy where he played for five years, his work at safety was enough to make an impression on the coaches for the New England Patriots. The 22-year old had 61 consecutive starts for Troy and had 310 tackles. He still calls Harvest home where he began his dream of making a team in the NFL first playing youth football at Phillips Park in nearby Monrovia. At 5-11, 200 pounds, Pettus looks to be a perfect fit for the position of safety.

“I’m in perfect health, excited to be where I am and taking one day at a time as I know I’m meant to be here,” said Pettus.

Two former teammates at James Clemens continue on a trek through the NFL as LaBryan Ray remained on the 53-player roster as a defensive end for the Panthers while Monty Rice will lineup at linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons practice squad after being released by New Orleans Saints.

Ray, a one-time member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, in his second season with the Panthers as he played in 17 games last season where he posted 19 tackles. The 6-9, 290-pound 26-year old was rated the No. 1 player in Alabama while at James Clemens.

For Rice, he played three seasons with the Tennessee Titans before moving to the New Orleans Saints. The 6-0, 233-pound Rice played in 35 games with the Titans with 128 tackles. The 25-year old should be a possible addition for the Falcons’ defense at linebacker. He was an All-SEC selection while playing for the Georgia Bulldogs.