Muhsin Muhammad

Lore & Background

Muhammad was born in Lansing, Michigan. His birth name was Melvin Campbell, but it was changed after his father converted to Islam when Muhammad was four years old. He was mainly a soccer player in elementary school, but switched to football when he entered 8th grade. He attended Waverly High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he earned three letters in football and an additional two in basketball and track.

Muhammad was also an all-state linebacker and running back at Waverly. In his senior year, he played on the same team with his younger brother, Abdullah Muhammad who played quarterback. Abdullah went on to play football for Army. After graduating from high school, Muhammad played at Michigan State University.

He enjoyed a breakout season in 1995 under coach Nick Saban with 50 catches for 867 yards and 3 touchdowns while playing with quarterback Tony Banks and wide receiver Derrick Mason.

Reader's Guide

Muhammad was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 1996 NFL draft's second round with the 43rd overall pick. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 1996 season against the New Orleans Saints. He recorded his first NFL touchdown in Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams. He finished his rookie season with 25 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown in nine games.

In 1998, Muhammad led the Panthers with 68 receptions, six touchdowns, and 941 receiving yards. In 1999, his 96 receptions, eight touchdowns, and 1,253 receiving yards led to his first Pro Bowl selection. His 102 receptions during the 2000 season tied for the NFL lead. Muhammad averaged over 1,000 yards each season from 1998 to 2000.

He played a leading role in the Panthers' run to Super Bowl XXXVIII during the 2003 season, recording the longest touchdown reception (85 yards) in Super Bowl history. In 2004, he led the NFL with a career-high 1,405 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl invitation and first-team All-Pro honors. By the end of the season, Muhammad held all of the Panthers' receiving records. The Panthers released him in February 2005, and hours later the Chicago Bears offered him a six-year contract.

With the Bears, he became one of their receiving threats and was the starting receiver in Super Bowl XLI, making a touchdown reception. He became the third player in NFL history to score a Super Bowl touchdown with two different teams, joining Jerry Rice and Ricky Proehl. The Bears released him on February 18, 2008. He returned to the Panthers and finished the 2009 season with 53 catches for 581 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in 14 games and starts.

After 14 seasons, he retired. Muhammad, along with defensive end Julius Peppers, was added to the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor on October 29, 2023.