NFL - Sports Rumors

Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:20 am EDT

Panthers sign veteran guard Toniu Fonoti

By Joe Zedalis

Toniu Fonoti

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The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent guard Toniu Fonoti, a former second-round draft choice who has been in and out of the league in recent seasons because of weight problems.

The Panthers hope Fonoti (6-foot-4, 350 pounds) can compete for playing time at guard.

San Diego selected him in the 2002 draft. He started 14 games for the Chargers as a rookie, then spent the next season on injured reserve. In 2004, he started 16 games. Sports Illustrated named him first team All-Pro. After another injury and with his weight reportedly up to about 390 pounds, the Chargers traded him to Minnesota in 2005. He didn't last with the Vikings. Atlanta signed him last March, but released him during training camp.

Source: Charlotte ObserverNew Window

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11 Comments

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  1. Wes W
    1. Posted by Wes W Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:58 pm EDT

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    If he can maintain his weight...He'll probably improve that awful Carolina offensive line......Just fill his contract with weight loss and excersise incentives!
  2. Willow Lofgood
    2. Posted by Willow Lofgood Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:21 pm EDT

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    i truely hope marty hurney doesnt run into me on the streets of charlotte....... this looks like another gimp signing, hopefully not. maybe this guy will make something happen for deangelo!
  3. Patriots R Cheaters
    3. Posted by Patriots R Cheaters Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:54 pm EDT

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    6-foot-4, 350 pounds.........................hmmm?
  4. Crux
    4. Posted by Crux Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:34 pm EDT

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    PRCool, you live!
  5. RFFL....
    5. Posted by RFFL.... Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:55 pm EDT

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    This guy needs to rehab with Jarrod and subway......
  6. Tony F
    6. Posted by Tony F Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:26 pm EDT

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    He needs a weight lose incentive in his contract. Injuries and weight aside, this guy was a good player when he wa healthy. I'm starting to believe carolina is serious about a power running game because it looks like they want to add bigger, and cheaper(which isn't necessarily a bad thing), o-lineman. If they get someone like Jeff Otah in the draft this could be a powerful o-line.
  7. yankeesrule2009
    7. Posted by yankeesrule2009 Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:19 pm EDT

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    cool story yahoo sports
  8. Patriots R Cheaters
    8. Posted by Patriots R Cheaters Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:54 pm EDT

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    Goodnight Panther fans.......hope more of you show up tommorro.
  9. ray dog
    9. Posted by ray dog Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:18 pm EDT

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    go panthers!!!!!
  10. slayerfan66666
    10. Posted by slayerfan66666 Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:27 pm EDT

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    Aaron Gibson all over again. For those of you who dont know who he is hes just another OL who ate his way to 400lbs and out of the NFL. LAZY!!!
  11. Angelfire
    11. Posted by Angelfire Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:46 pm EDT

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    HI PRC! People are wandering if you wimped out because of cheato over at the Pats forum.

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