Jaycee Horn

Jaycee Horn was born on November 26, 1999, in Alpharetta, Georgia. He is the son of former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn and grew up in a sports-oriented family. Jaycee showed remarkable talent in football from a young age and pursued it through his school years. He attended Alpharetta High School, where he was a standout player, eventually leading to a successful college career at the University of South Carolina before entering the NFL draft.

On December 23, 2017, Jaycee Horn announced his commitment to play college football at the University of South Carolina. As a highly rated four-star recruit, Horn was considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the country. His decision to join the Gamecocks was influenced by his desire to play in the SEC and the relationship he built with the coaching staff during his recruitment. Horn went on to become one of the key defensive players for the team.

Jaycee Horn made his college football debut for the South Carolina Gamecocks on September 1, 2018, against Coastal Carolina. As a true freshman, he immediately showcased his skills, recording three tackles and breaking up a pass in the season opener. Horn quickly established himself as one of the defensive leaders on the team with his exceptional coverage abilities and playmaking skills during his first year in college football.

On November 16, 2019, Jaycee Horn delivered one of his standout performances while playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks against Texas A&M. In the game, Horn demonstrated his defensive prowess by making several key plays, including a remarkable pass breakup and multiple tackles. This performance was one of many that solidified his reputation as one of the top cornerbacks in college football, attracting the attention of NFL scouts.

On October 17, 2020, Jaycee Horn played a pivotal role in South Carolina's upset victory over Auburn. Horn recorded two interceptions and multiple pass breakups, leading the defensive effort that stifled Auburn's offense and propelled the Gamecocks to a 30-22 win. His performance in the game was lauded by commentators and analysts as one of the best by a cornerback that season, further elevating his draft stock ahead of entering the NFL.

Jaycee Horn was selected 8th overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft on April 29, 2021. Horn was the first defensive player taken in the draft, highlighting his status as a top prospect. His selection by the Panthers marked a significant moment as they viewed him as a cornerstone for their defense. Known for his physicality and coverage skills, Horn was expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL similar to his impressive college performance.

Jaycee Horn signed his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers on May 6, 2021. The contract was a four-year deal that included a fifth-year option, which is standard for first-round picks. Horn's signing marked the official beginning of his professional career in the NFL, where he was set to play a critical role in the Panthers' defensive scheme due to his outstanding skills as a shutdown cornerback.

During a game against the Houston Texans on September 23, 2021, Jaycee Horn suffered a fractured foot, which significantly impacted his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. The injury required surgery and placed Horn on injured reserve, cutting short what had been a promising start to his NFL career. His absence was a notable blow to the Panthers' defensive strategy as they had high expectations for the young cornerback as part of their defensive rebuild.

Jaycee Horn made a notable return to the field on November 1, 2022, after recovering from his foot surgery. His return was closely watched as the Panthers had missed his defensive presence. Horn's performance post-return lived up to expectations, as he continued to demonstrate the coverage skills and athleticism that had made him a high draft pick. His comeback was seen as a crucial boost to Carolina's secondary unit.

After struggling with injuries that limited his playtime, Jaycee Horn returned to full training with the Carolina Panthers on August 31, 2023. This marked a significant step in Horn's recovery and was an encouraging sign for both the player and the team ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The Panthers management and fans were eager to see Horn return to his pre-injury form, given his potential as a key defensive player for the team.