Cade Mays Bio
Cade Montgomery Mays is an American professional football center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers. Mays was selected by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has been active in the league, showcasing his skills on the field since his debut.
Early Life and Background
Cade Montgomery Mays was born on April 26, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Growing up in a city known for its passion for sports, Mays was exposed to football at an early age, which laid the foundation for his future career. He attended Knoxville Catholic High School, where he began to develop his skills as a football player. His performance in high school earned him recognition and set the stage for his collegiate career. Mays continued his education and football journey at the University of Georgia, where he played for two seasons. His time at Georgia was marked by significant growth and development as a player, which ultimately led to his transfer to the University of Tennessee to further his college football career.
Path to American Football
Cade Mays began his college football career at the University of Georgia in 2018. During his time there, he played in various positions on the offensive line, showcasing his versatility and skill. After two successful seasons, he transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020, where he continued to excel on the field. Mays’ performance at Tennessee solidified his reputation as a strong offensive lineman, earning him accolades such as Second-team All-SEC in 2021. Mays declared for the NFL Draft after completing his college career, where he was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional journey in the NFL, where he aimed to make an impact as a center for the team.
Cade Mays Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Cade Mays made his NFL debut in Week 7 of the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He quickly adapted to the professional level, appearing in 11 games and making two starts during his rookie season. His performance earned him valuable experience and recognition within the team. In the 2023 season, Mays continued to build on his rookie year, appearing in 16 games and starting five. His contributions to the team were significant as he worked to establish himself as a reliable player on the offensive line.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Cade Mays faced a pivotal moment in his career when he was released by the Carolina Panthers on August 28. However, he quickly signed with the New York Giants practice squad on September 10. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue developing his skills and gaining experience in the league. Mays’ time with the Giants was short-lived, as he was re-signed by the Carolina Panthers off the Giants practice squad on October 8, 2024. This second stint with the Panthers allowed him to return to a familiar environment and continue his growth as a player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cade Mays’ journey through the NFL has been marked by resilience and determination. His notable achievements include being named Second-team All-SEC during his college career and successfully transitioning from college football to the professional level.
Cade Mays Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cade Mays has received recognition for his performances, including his selection as Second-team All-SEC in 2021 during his college career.
Cade Mays Awards Won
While Cade Mays has not yet won any major awards in the NFL, his achievements in college football, particularly his All-SEC selection, highlight his talent and potential as a professional player.
Cade Mays Family
Cade Mays comes from a family with a football background. His brother, Cooper Mays, also played center for the University of Tennessee, showcasing the family’s athletic lineage.
Personal Life
Details about Cade Mays’ personal life remain private, but his commitment to football and his family background in the sport reflect his dedication to his career. As he continues to develop as a player, Mays remains focused on making a significant impact in the NFL.
