Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is officially back in the NFL after missing the entire 2024 season.
The 29-year-old signed with the Carolina Panthers following the 2025 NFL Draft, and on Monday, April 28, he revealed the real reason behind his year-long absence: a life-altering health diagnosis that took a major toll on his body.
Hunter Renfrow Details Health Battle That Halted His NFL Career
Renfrow, once a walk-on at Clemson who became a national champion and NFL Pro Bowler, disclosed that he had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune condition that left him drained physically and mentally.
“It kicked my butt pretty good,” Renfrow said. “Last year, I fluctuated in weight; I went down to 150 pounds. I had like seven straight days of 103-degree fevers. It’s tough to play when you’re not feeling great.”
The ͏illness caused extreme fatigue and severe weight loss, making it impossible ͏for him͏ to compete at the level he was used to. Once known for his consistency and sharp route-running, ͏Renfrow had to step away from football entirely in ͏2024 ͏to focus on his health.
After months of working with doctors and managing the condition, Renfrow has returned to the field with a renewed perspective.
“It’s just trying to get back, trying to get healthy, trying to do something I love,” he said. “I enjoyed other parts of life. We had our second daughter, so enjoying that and just wanting to make sure if I’m going to come back and give my time and attention to something that I was going to be all in on it.”
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Now signed with the Panthers, Renfrow took part in volunteer workouts at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Having grown up in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and played college football at Clemson, joining Carolina feels like a full-circle moment.
“I’m from the Carolinas, born in Myrtle Beach, went to school at Clemson, and so the opportunity to come back here and be a part of Carolina, the people are special to me, the place is special to me,” he shared.
Renfrow knows competition for a roster spot will be tough, with the Panthers adding Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. in the draft. Still, he’s focused on being a team player.
“I want to be real intentional about that and try to lock in and get in with the guys and have a good time and just be a resource any way I can,” he said.
After battling back from a serious health scare, Renfrow is grateful just to be competing again.
