CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tyrone Prothro, one of Alabama’s all-time great pass catchers, is headed to the NFL as a coach for the Carolina Panthers. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Prothro will be working as an intern for the team during their training camp.
Once again, the former Bama wide-receiver will work under Mike Shula, who is currently the Panther’s offensive coordinator. Shula was Alabama’s head football coach from 2003 to 2007.
Whether or not you root for the Tide, Prothro’s shot in the pros is a feel-good story for a player who endured a gruesome leg injuries that cost him a shot at an NFL career, not to mention an NFL paycheck. In an October game against the Florida Gators in 2005, Prothro broke both major bones in his leg in an airborne tussle over the ball. He never again stepped foot on the field as a player.
But his injury did not come before making one of the most incredible plays in Alabama history. In a game against Southern Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Prothro caught the ball behind the head of Southern Mississippi’s Jasper Faulk on a long pass from quarterback Brodie Croyle right before half-time. The play went on to win the “Best Play” award at the 2006 ESPYs.
After his forced retirement, Prothro worked for Regions Bank, Coca-Cola, and a Toyota dealership in Tuscaloosa. But 11 years and 11 surgeries later, he will be back on the sideline coaching the game he loves.
Below is a video of Prothro’s catch from the Southern Miss game eleven years ago. It is still just as impressive today as it was then.