Wharton was a 2004 3rd round pick out of the University of South Carolina, and was perhaps one of the most humble individuals on the Panthers squad. After starting off his first five games of the 2004 season on the inactive list, Wharton would start the final 11 games, helping that 2004 offensive line yield only 34 sacks, the third lowest total in team history. Wharton would go on to start 111 times for the Panthers, being only one of 16 other players to do so for the team. He was ultimately let go in 2012, where he would sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, only to suffer an unfortunate season ending knee injury before the start of the season.
He would return to the team a little over a year later when the Panthers, who were battling injuries up front on the line, would bring the stalwart guard back into the fold. With the Panthers moving on now with new blood on the offensive line, Wharton made the decision to retire, citing it as the right time to do so. Although offensive linemen are not considered flashy players, there are some who do get recognition for their play, be it the Pro Bowl or acknowledgement in the media. It is a shame Wharton never had either one. He quietly did his job, and did it well, and that is what Panther fans will remember him for.
Wharton is not totally stepping away from football however. He will be joining former Panther G Kevin Donnally to host a talk show on the Panthers Television Network, where the two will do a segment for the network's postgame shows. So he will still be around, just not in a Panthers uniform. Perhaps the next time we see Wharton, he will have a similar physical transformation like his former teammate Jordan Gross. That would be a sight to see! We here at CSR want to wish Wharton the best in his retirement. Keep Pounding Travelle!