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Muhsin Muhammad II (/muːˈsɪn/; born Melvin Darnell Campbell Jr. on May 5, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Muhammad played college football for Michigan State and was selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. A two-time Pro Bowl selection (1999, 2004) and First-team All-Pro selection (2004), Muhammad was known for his nickname, "Moose", and for his signature touchdown dance, which was featured in one of the opening cameos of Madden NFL 2006. He was one of the NFL's best blocking receivers during his career.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

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.[2][3]

Muhammad was mainly a soccer player in elementary school, but switched to football when he entered 8th grade.[4] 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.[5]

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.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump
6 ft 1+3⁄4 in
(1.87 m)		 217 lb
(98 kg)		 33+3⁄8 in
(0.85 m)		 10+3⁄8 in
(0.26 m)		 4.53 s 1.54 s 2.66 s 4.16 s 33.0 in
(0.84 m)
All values from NFL Combine[6]

Carolina Panthers (1996–2004)

[edit]

The Carolina Panthers selected Muhammad in the 1996 NFL draft's second round with the 43rd overall pick. He was the ninth wide receiver selected.[7] Muhammad made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 1996 season against the New Orleans Saints. He had six receptions for 96 yards in the 22–20 victory.[8] He recorded his first NFL touchdown on a 54-yard reception in Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams.[9] Despite battling an injury, Muhammad finished his rookie season with 25 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown in nine games.[10] In the 4th quarter of his playoff debut against the Dallas Cowboys, Muhammad drew a pass interfearence penalty against cornerback Kevin Smith. The Panthers lost in the NFC Championship to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers a week later. Muhammad recorded no receptions in either game.[11]

In the 1997 season, Muhammed recorded 27 receptions for 317 yards in 13 games.[12] In the 1998 season, Muhammad led the Panthers with 68 receptions, six touchdowns, and 941 receiving yards.[13][14]

Muhammad enjoyed an outstanding season in 1999 under new head coach George Seifert and his 96 receptions, eight touchdowns, and 1,253 receiving yards led to his first Pro Bowl selection.[15] His 102 receptions during the 2000 season tied for the NFL lead. Muhammad averaged over 1,000 yards each season from 1998 to 2000.[16][17]

Muhammad was injured for much of the 2001 NFL season, but he returned to form and eventually played a leading role in the Carolina Panthers' run to Super Bowl XXXVIII during 2003 NFL season. Though the Panthers lost to the AFC Champion New England Patriots 29–32, Muhammad recorded the longest touchdown reception (85 yards) in Super Bowl history.[18][19]

Muhammad's play during the 2004 season, where he led the NFL with a career-high 1,405 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns, earned him his second Pro Bowl invitation.[20][21] He earned first team All-Pro honors.[22] By the end of the season, Muhammad held all of the Panthers' receiving records, including catches (578), receiving yards (7,751), 100-yard games (26), and the top three single-game yardage totals (192, 189, 179). In addition, he tied Wesley Walls at 44 touchdown receptions.[5]

Muhammad, who was due a $10 million roster bonus, and the Panthers could not agree on a contract after the 2004 season, and the team released him in February 2005.[23] Hours after his release, the Chicago Bears offered the 32-year-old a six-year contract, and Muhammad left Charlotte for Chicago.[24]

Muhammad's first stint with the Panthers was plagued with several negative experiences. He was the target of a racial slur from his quarterback, Kerry Collins; testified at murder hearings for Rae Carruth and Deidra Lane (wife of Fred Lane); and was arrested in 2003 on misdemeanor drug and weapon offenses.[25][26][27]

Chicago Bears (2005–2007)

[edit]

Muhammad became one of the Bears' receiving threats during his first year with the team. He was also credited with encouraging a stronger work ethic within the team's receiving corps and advising young wide receivers such as Bernard Berrian, Mark Bradley, and Rashied Davis.

Despite failing to catch several poorly thrown passes from rookie quarterback Kyle Orton, Muhammad held himself responsible and promised reporters he would improve his performance. However, Muhammad was later seen complaining to Orton during a Sunday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons. After Muhammad's criticism, coach Lovie Smith benched Orton in favor of a fully recovered Rex Grossman.[28]

Muhammad's statistics improved with Rex Grossman at quarterback in the 2006 season. He had his first one hundred-yard day with the Bears in their season opener against the Green Bay Packers, and a second against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 3.[29][30] However, he saw less action as Grossman began to play inconsistently after the season's midway point. Muhammad defended Grossman from criticism and often supported him at press conferences.[31] Muhammad finished the regular season as the team's leading wide receiver for the second consecutive time.[32]

Muhammad was the starting receiver for the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, making a touchdown reception in the first half of a 29–17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.[33] Muhammad became the third player in NFL history to score a Super Bowl touchdown with two different teams, joining Jerry Rice and Ricky Proehl.[34]

Muhammad's age seemingly affected his endurance. Although he played all sixteen games in 2006, the Bears listed him as probable or questionable before many games.[35] Before the 2006 season, he revealed he had played through the 2005 season with a broken hand.[36]

Muhammad had a down year in 2007 with 40 receptions for 570 yards and three touchdowns.[37] The Bears released him on February 18, 2008.[38]

After leaving the Bears, Muhammad told Sports Illustrated Chicago is "where wide receivers go to die." The remark caught the attention of Darryl Drake, the team's wide receiver coach. While Drake stated he was unfazed by Muhammad's remark, he argued former Bears wide receivers Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage, and Bobby Wade developed in Chicago and enjoyed successful careers after leaving.[39]

Carolina Panthers (second stint) (2008–2009)

[edit]

Just nine days after the Bears released him, Muhammad signed a two-year contract with his former team, the Carolina Panthers.[40] On September 14, while playing against the Bears, he became the 29th player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.[41] In Week 4, against the Atlanta Falcons, he had eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown in the 24–9 victory.[42] He finished the season with 65 receptions for 923 yards and five touchdowns.[43]

In the 2009 season, Muhammad caught 53 passes for 581 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in 14 games and starts.[44] After 14 seasons in the NFL, he retired from professional football. At the time of his retirement, Muhammad was the Panthers' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, and he was tied with Steve Smith Sr. for most receiving touchdowns.[1]

Muhammad, along with defensive end Julius Peppers, was added to the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor on October 29, 2023.[45]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high
± Pro Bowler

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
1996 CAR 9 5 25 407 16.3 54 1 1 –1 –1.0 –1 0 0 0
1997 CAR 13 5 27 317 11.7 38 0 — — — — — 0 0
1998 CAR 16 16 68 941 13.8 72 6 — — — — — 2 0
1999 CAR± 15 15 96 1,253 13.1 60 8 — — — — — 1 1
2000 CAR 16 16 102 1,183 11.6 36 6 2 12 6.0 8 0 1 0
2001 CAR 11 11 50 585 11.7 43 1 — — — — — 2 1
2002 CAR 14 14 63 823 13.1 42 3 3 40 13.3 20 0 0 0
2003 CAR 15 15 54 837 15.5 60 3 2 –2 –1.0 0 0 3 1
2004 CAR± 16 16 93 1,405 15.1 51 16 3 15 5.0 13 0 3 1
2005 CHI 15 15 64 750 11.7 33 4 — — — — — 0 0
2006 CHI 16 16 60 863 14.4 40 5 — — — — — 1 1
2007 CHI 16 16 40 570 14.3 44 3 — — — — — 0 0
2008 CAR 16 15 65 923 14.2 60 5 — — — — — 2 1
2009 CAR 14 13 53 581 11.0 27 1 — — — — — 0 0
Totals 202 188 860 11,438 13.3 72 62 11 64 5.8 20 0 15 6

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
1996 CAR 2 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 — — — — — 0 0
2003 CAR 4 4 15 352 23.5 85 2 3 14 4.7 6 0 1 0
2005 CHI 1 1 3 58 19.3 24 0 — — — — — 0 0
2006 CHI 3 3 7 93 13.3 22 1 — — — — — 0 0
2008 CAR 1 1 5 55 11.0 20 0 — — — — — 0 0
Totals 11 9 30 558 18.6 85 3 3 14 4.7 6 0 1 0

In a 2003 playoff game against the St. Louis Rams, Muhammad recovered a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown.[46] In total, he has 4 career postseason TDs.

Carolina Panthers franchise records

[edit]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

During the 2002 and 2003 off-season, Muhammad became a color commentator for NFL Europe on behalf of Fox television. He also was a post-season correspondent for NFL Network in 2004 and has worked as a color commentator for the Big Ten Network[48]

Muhammad won a Chicago Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for Sports Programs for his segment, Hanging with the Moose, which aired on Comcast SportsNet's "SportsNite" in 2005.[49]

Personal life

[edit]

Despite his father's conversion to Islam, Muhammad is a Christian.[50][51][52] He is married to Christa Muhammad. The couple has four daughters and two sons: (oldest to youngest) Jordan, Chase, Journey, Muhsin III, Maddon, and Kennedy. The family adopted Maddon and Journey from Ethiopia in 2007.[53] Jordan is a member of the women's basketball team at Princeton University. Chase is a member of the women's basketball team at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte. Muhsin III is a former member of the Texas A&M football team and, like Muhsin II, the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Maddon is a member of the UNC Charlotte Track and Field team.

Muhammad works as a managing director at the private equity firm Axum Capital Partners, a firm he co-founded.[54]

Philanthropy

[edit]

Muhammad's charity foundation, "The M2 Foundation for Kids", is dedicated to improving the mental and physical development of children. He also supports the "Back to Nature" program which encourages children to spend more time with nature by taking them on hikes throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and nature preserves in Tennessee[5] and the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he raised funds and awareness for the group by helping organize Christmas toy drives and a special football camp. Muhammad is also a spokesperson for the "Men For Change" organization, which helps raise money for impoverished women's shelters.[5]

On February 28, 2007, Muhammad's high school alma mater gave him a special award for donating $50,000 worth of equipment to school's fitness center, which was renamed in his honor.[55]

The Carolina Panthers presented Muhammad with their Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 1999 for his charity and volunteer work.[56]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Muhsin Muhammad

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Muhsin Muhammad II is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, amassing 860 receptions for 11,438 yards and 62 touchdowns over 202 games. Born Melvin Darnell Campbell Jr. on May 5, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, he changed his name to Muhsin Muhammad II at age four and excelled in multiple sports at Waverly High School before earning a full scholarship to Michigan State University, where he played wide receiver from 1992 to 1995, recording 60 receptions for 969 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a breakout senior season with 41 receptions for 696 yards. Drafted by the Panthers in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft, Muhammad emerged as the franchise's first star wide receiver, leading the team in receptions during his breakout 1998 season with 68 catches for 941 yards and six touchdowns. Muhammad's career peaked in 2004, when he led the NFL with 1,405 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl selection after a 1999 appearance. He played a pivotal role in the Panthers' run to Super Bowl XXXVIII following the 2003 season, catching an 85-yard touchdown pass—the longest in Super Bowl history—from Jake Delhomme. After signing with the Bears as a free agent in 2005, he recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (2005–2007) and helped lead Chicago to Super Bowl XLI, where he had four receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown in the 29–17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Muhammad returned to Carolina for his final two seasons (2008–2009), serving as a mentor to younger receivers like Steve Smith Sr. before retiring in 2010; he was later inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor in 2023 for his contributions to the franchise, ranking 32nd all-time in NFL receptions (860) and 38th in receiving yards (11,438) as of 2025. Post-retirement, Muhammad co-founded Axum Capital Partners, a private equity firm that acquired the restaurant chain Wild Wing Cafe, while establishing The M2 Foundation to support youth education and health initiatives; in September 2025, Axum launched a $300 million fund focused on food and beverage brands.

Early life

Family background

Muhsin Muhammad was born on May 5, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, originally named Melvin Darnell Campbell Jr. His father converted to Islam in the early 1970s, and when Muhammad was four years old, the family adopted Muslim names; his was changed to Muhsin Muhammad II, meaning "charitable" and "one who does good deeds." Despite the family change, Muhammad personally retained his Christian faith throughout his life. He was the middle child in a family of three siblings, including sister Malikah and brother Abdullah. His parents played significant roles in shaping his early years: his mother began her career as a teacher before serving on the Lansing school district's board, instilling a strong emphasis on academics and discipline at home. His father, a member of the Nation of Islam, was a strict disciplinarian who coached his children in sports and involved them in community service. The family resided in the greater Lansing area, near East Lansing, where Muhammad enjoyed simple childhood activities like fishing and biking to downtown Lansing with his siblings. During his elementary school years, Muhammad showed initial interest in soccer, primarily playing that sport alongside basketball. Around the age of 13, upon entering eighth grade, he switched to American football, joining a local Pop Warner team where he started as a guard on the offensive line and defensive end. This transition marked the beginning of his deeper involvement in football, though his upbringing continued to balance athletics with family values of education and community responsibility.

High school career

Muhsin Muhammad attended Waverly High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he competed in football, basketball, and track, earning varsity letters in all three sports. As a running back and linebacker on the football team, Muhammad earned all-state honors, highlighted by his senior year performance alongside his younger brother on the Waverly squad. He also garnered recognition in basketball for his contributions as a standout player. Despite his achievements across multiple sports, Muhammad opted to channel his efforts into football for college recruitment, recognizing greater opportunities in that discipline.

College career

Michigan State University

Muhsin Muhammad enrolled at Michigan State University in 1991 and joined the Spartans football team, where he played wide receiver from 1992 to 1995. He redshirted as a freshman in 1991 and received a scholarship offer to play for the program out of high school. During his first three seasons, Muhammad competed in a run-oriented offense under head coach George Perles, who led the team from 1983 to 1994, resulting in limited passing opportunities. In 1995, following Perles's departure, new head coach Nick Saban took over, providing Muhammad with increased opportunities in the passing game. Over his four-year college career, Muhammad accumulated 60 receptions for 969 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, with the majority of his production coming in his senior season. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1996.

Athletic achievements

During his junior and senior seasons at Michigan State, Muhsin Muhammad earned All-Big Ten recognition, leading the Spartans with 41 receptions for 696 yards and two touchdowns in 1995. His performance that year ranked him ninth in the Big Ten in receiving yards. He also ranked among the conference leaders in receptions. One of Muhammad's most memorable college games occurred on November 4, 1995, when he helped Michigan State upset No. 7 Michigan 28-25 in a thrilling finish at Spartan Stadium, catching eight passes for 116 yards to support quarterback Tony Banks' 318-yard effort. This victory, later voted the best in Spartan Stadium history by fans, highlighted his growing role as a key target in the Spartans' passing attack. Earlier, in 1994, he contributed to a competitive 21-20 loss to Notre Dame with one reception for nine yards, part of a season where he recorded 10 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns overall. Following his senior year, Muhammad prepared for the NFL by participating in the 1996 Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts during practices in Mobile, Alabama, contributing to his status as a second-round draft prospect. Over his college career, he totaled 60 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdowns in 37 games.

Professional career

Carolina Panthers (1996–2004)

Muhsin Muhammad was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round, 43rd overall, of the 1996 NFL Draft out of Michigan State University. As a rookie under head coach Dom Capers, Muhammad faced initial challenges, appearing in only nine games and recording 25 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown, often limited by the team's established receiving corps and his adjustment to the professional level. His 1997 season brought further hurdles due to injuries that sidelined him for several weeks, resulting in just 13 games played, 27 catches for 317 yards, and no touchdowns, highlighting a period of inconsistency early in his career. Under Capers' guidance through 1998, Muhammad showed significant growth, starting all 16 games that year and achieving 68 receptions for 941 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the Panthers' offense. This momentum carried into 1999, his breakout season, where he led the NFC with 96 receptions for 1,253 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and helping solidify the Panthers' passing attack. After a transitional period under new head coach George Seifert and later John Fox, Muhammad contributed to the team's resurgence, including a 2003 campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl XXXVIII appearance, where he caught a franchise-record 85-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme—the longest reception in Super Bowl history. Muhammad reached the pinnacle of his Panthers tenure in 2004, leading the NFL with 16 receiving touchdowns on 93 catches for 1,405 yards despite the team finishing 7-9, which earned him First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl nod. Following the season, the Panthers released him in February 2005 after failing to agree on a new contract amid his impending $10 million roster bonus, a move influenced by salary cap constraints.

Chicago Bears (2005–2007)

In March 2005, shortly after his release from the Carolina Panthers, Muhsin Muhammad signed a six-year contract with the Chicago Bears worth $24.2 million, including a $6 million signing bonus and $12 million in guarantees. This deal positioned him as the team's primary wide receiver, leveraging his experience from a Pro Bowl season in 2004 to bolster an offense led by head coach Lovie Smith. Muhammad's debut season with the Bears in 2005 saw him emerge as the leading receiver, posting 64 receptions for 750 yards and four touchdowns while playing alongside quarterback Rex Grossman, who took over as starter late in the year. Despite managing a broken hand that limited his practice time, his contributions helped fuel the Bears' 11-5 record, NFC North division title, and run to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to his former team, the Panthers. The 2006 campaign marked a career highlight in Chicago, as Muhammad recorded 60 receptions for 863 yards and five touchdowns, forming a key connection with Grossman en route to a 13-3 regular-season mark. His reliability in the passing game supported the Bears' NFC Championship victory and propelled them to Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts, where Muhammad scored on a 4-yard touchdown reception from Grossman in the second quarter of a 29-17 defeat. Under Smith's defensive-minded scheme, Muhammad's role emphasized possession receiving to complement the team's ground attack and opportunistic defense. Production waned in 2007 amid injuries, including an ankle sprain that sidelined him for practices, and broader offensive inconsistencies following Grossman's uneven performance. Muhammad managed just 40 receptions for 570 yards and three touchdowns over 16 games, a sharp decline that reflected the Bears' 7-9 finish and failure to reach the playoffs. On February 18, 2008, the Bears released him as they restructured their receiving corps, two years before the contract's end.

Carolina Panthers (2008–2009)

After being released by the Chicago Bears, Muhsin Muhammad signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on February 28, 2008, returning to the team where he had spent the first nine years of his career. As a veteran wide receiver, he provided depth and leadership to the offense alongside star Steve Smith, whom Muhammad had mentored during his initial tenure with the Panthers. In the 2008 season, Muhammad appeared in all 16 games, starting 15, and recorded 65 receptions for 923 yards and five touchdowns, contributing to the Panthers' 12-4 record and NFC South division title. On September 14, 2008, against his former team, the Bears, he caught five passes for 59 yards to surpass 10,000 career receiving yards, becoming the 29th player in NFL history to reach the milestone. His performance in the postseason included five receptions for 55 yards in the Panthers' divisional playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 2009 season proved more challenging, as Muhammad dealt with a knee sprain that caused him to miss two games. He still started 13 of 14 games, finishing with 53 receptions for 581 yards and one touchdown. On June 10, 2010, Muhammad announced his retirement after 14 NFL seasons, citing a sense of fulfillment from his accomplishments and a desire to focus on his growing private equity firm and family. At age 37, he reflected on the physical demands of the game but expressed satisfaction with his career, which included two Pro Bowl selections and over 11,400 receiving yards.

NFL career statistics and records

Regular season

Muhsin Muhammad played in 202 regular-season games over his 14-year NFL career, accumulating 860 receptions for 11,438 receiving yards and 62 receiving touchdowns. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his regular-season receiving statistics:
YearTeamGRecYdsY/RLngTDFumb
1996CAR92540716.35410
1997CAR132731711.73800
1998CAR166894113.87262
1999CAR1596125313.16081
2000CAR16102118311.63661
2001CAR115058511.74312
2002CAR146382313.14230
2003CAR155483715.56033
2004CAR1693140515.151163
2005CHI156475011.73340
2006CHI166086314.44051
2007CHI164057014.34430
2008CAR166592314.26052
2009CAR145358111.02710
Career20286011,43813.3726215
Muhsin Muhammad's peak season came in 2004 with the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded 93 receptions for 1,405 yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-Pro honors. Throughout his career, Muhammad's performance showed distinct phases: an early buildup from 1996 to 2000 averaging 59.4 yards per game, a mid-career surge peaking at 87.8 yards per game in 2004, a steady output with the Chicago Bears from 2005 to 2007 averaging 46.4 yards per game, and a solid return to the Panthers in 2008–2009 averaging 50.1 yards per game.

Postseason

Muhsin Muhammad participated in 11 NFL postseason games across three playoff appearances with the Carolina Panthers and two with the Chicago Bears, amassing 30 receptions for 558 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. His contributions as a wide receiver provided crucial big plays during his teams' deep postseason runs, including the Panthers' surprise march to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003 and the Bears' appearance in Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season. One of Muhammad's most memorable playoff moments came in Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1, 2004, where he hauled in an 85-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme in the fourth quarter, setting the record for the longest reception in Super Bowl history and briefly giving the Panthers a lead against the New England Patriots. Earlier in that playoff run, during the NFC Divisional round against the St. Louis Rams on January 10, 2004, Muhammad recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, helping secure a 29-23 overtime victory despite controversy over the play's ruling. In the 2003 NFC Championship Game versus the Philadelphia Eagles on January 18, 2004, he scored on a 25-yard reception that proved decisive in the Panthers' 14-3 win. With the Bears, Muhammad found the end zone again in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007, catching a 4-yard touchdown pass from Rex Grossman in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, marking him as only the third player to score in the Super Bowl for multiple teams. His steady production in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons supported Chicago's NFC North title defenses, though the team fell short of a championship.
DateRoundOpponentRecYdsTDLongNotes
Jan 5, 1997Wild CardDAL000-Panthers loss
Jan 12, 1997DivisionalGNB000-Packers win
Jan 3, 2004Wild CardDAL4103042Panthers win
Jan 10, 2004Divisional@ STL570025Fumble recovery TD; OT win
Jan 18, 2004NFC ChampionshipPHI239125Panthers win
Feb 1, 2004Super Bowl XXXVIIINWE4140185Record TD reception; loss
Jan 8, 2006Wild CardCAR358025Bears win
Jan 14, 2007DivisionalSEA232018Bears win
Jan 21, 2007NFC ChampionshipNO226014Bears win
Feb 4, 2007Super Bowl XLIIND3351174-yard TD; loss
Jan 10, 2009Wild CardARI555020Panthers loss

Franchise accomplishments

Muhsin Muhammad's tenure with the Carolina Panthers, spanning 1996–2004 and 2008–2009, established him as one of the franchise's most productive wide receivers, with his combined statistics placing him among the all-time leaders in key receiving categories as of 2025. He ranks second in Panthers history in career receptions with 696, trailing only Steve Smith Sr., and amassed 9,255 receiving yards over 155 games, also second on the franchise list. Similarly, Muhammad holds the second-most receiving touchdowns in team history with 50, underscoring his reliability as a red-zone threat during an era when the Panthers were building their offensive identity. In terms of single-season achievements, Muhammad's 2004 campaign stands as a pinnacle of his Panthers legacy, where he recorded 1,405 receiving yards on 93 catches, setting a franchise record for yards that held until Steve Smith Sr. surpassed it the following year. That same season, he established the Panthers' single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 16, a mark that remains unbroken as of 2025 and highlights his explosive playmaking under quarterback Jake Delhomme. Earlier, in 2000, Muhammad set another team benchmark with 102 receptions, leading the league and bolstering the Panthers' passing attack during a transitional period. Muhsin Muhammad's enduring franchise impact was formally recognized in 2023 when he was inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor alongside Julius Peppers, honoring his role in elevating the team's offensive output and fanbase during his two stints. This induction, the first additions to the hall since 2019, celebrated his contributions to multiple playoff appearances, including the 2003 NFC Championship run.

Post-retirement activities

Broadcasting career

Following his playing career, Muhsin Muhammad transitioned into broadcasting while still active in the NFL, serving as a color commentator for NFL Europe broadcasts on Fox television during the 2002 and 2003 offseasons. In 2004, he expanded his media presence as a postseason correspondent for NFL Network, providing player perspectives on games and events. After retiring from the NFL in 2010, Muhammad took on a more prominent role in sports media as a color commentator for college football games on the Big Ten Network, beginning that year with assignments including Michigan State versus Northern Colorado and Northern Illinois versus Illinois. His retirement enabled this full-time shift to analysis, leveraging his experience as a former wide receiver to offer insights on offensive strategies and player performance. During his time with the Chicago Bears, Muhammad also hosted the segment "Hanging with the Moose" on Comcast SportsNet Chicago, which earned him a Chicago Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sports Programs in 2006 (for the 2005 season). As of 2025, Muhammad continues to make guest appearances as an analyst for NFL and college football coverage, drawing on his professional background to comment on wide receiver techniques and team dynamics.

Business ventures

Following his retirement from the NFL in 2010, Muhsin Muhammad expanded his business pursuits, having co-founded Axum Capital Partners in 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as a managing director responsible for deal sourcing, investment selection, and portfolio management. The firm specializes in private equity investments targeting small to mid-sized companies, particularly in the food and beverage sector, with notable acquisitions including Wild Wing Cafe in 2012 and Back Yard Burgers in 2017. In September 2025, Axum launched a $300 million fund focused on health and wellness brands, such as the plant-based restaurant chain Le Botaniste, aiming to expand opportunities in the growing consumer health market. This move leverages Muhammad's NFL-honed discipline and networking skills to identify strategic investments. Muhammad's business pursuits extend to financial advisory services for athletes, emphasizing wealth management and investment education to help them navigate post-career finances. Through Axum, he co-leads partnerships with high-profile figures like Stephen Curry's 7K Ventures, providing athletes, entertainers, and executives with access to private equity deals and business training programs. This advisory role draws directly from his own proactive approach during his playing days, where he engaged in real estate and investment projects to build financial stability beyond football. In addition to investments, Muhammad pursues speaking engagements on leadership and the sports business industry, sharing insights from his NFL tenure to inspire professionals in corporate and athletic circles. As of 2025, he has participated in events like the NBPA's Sanctuary Summit and entrepreneur-focused series, highlighting the parallels between on-field teamwork and business success. These activities complement his corporate roles, allowing him to apply lessons from his athletic career to broader entrepreneurial contexts.

Personal life

Family

Muhsin Muhammad is married to Christa Muhammad, and the couple has six children together: four daughters and two sons. Among their children are adopted son Maddon and daughter Journey, whom they adopted from Ethiopia. Although born Melvin Campbell and renamed Muhsin Muhammad as a child due to his father's conversion to Islam, Muhammad himself converted to Christianity in adulthood after his parents' divorce, following his mother's faith. This religious shift has shaped their family life, with the household embracing Christian values. Their son, Muhsin Muhammad III (known as Moose), followed in his father's footsteps athletically, playing wide receiver at Texas A&M University from 2020 to 2024, where he appeared in games and recorded receptions including a touchdown. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, he signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in April 2025 but was waived off injured reserve in July 2025 following rookie minicamp, and as of November 2025, remains an unsigned free agent. Following his NFL retirement in 2010, Muhammad and his relocated to the Charlotte area, where they have raised their children.

Philanthropy

Muhsin Muhammad founded The M2 Foundation for Kids, a foundation established in , to support the educational, physical, mental, and spiritual development of children. As president of the , Muhammad has directed its efforts toward enhancing opportunities in underserved communities, particularly in Charlotte where he resides. The foundation's key initiatives include programs aimed at improving academic skills for young males, such as targeted support in math and English to foster long-term educational growth. These efforts emphasize building foundational abilities to promote overall child well-being, aligning with Muhammad's commitment to holistic youth development. While specific scholarships are not prominently documented, the foundation's work prioritizes accessible resources for underprivileged children to encourage physical health and mental resilience through community-based activities. Muhammad has partnered with organizations like Gift of Adoption of the Carolinas to facilitate and support services, extending his to broader . In recognition of his contributions to mentoring Charlotte's , he received the Mosaic from Behailu Academy, honoring his ongoing dedication to educational and developmental causes.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MuhaMu00.htm
  2. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/muhsin-muhammad-1.html
  3. https://www.panthers.com/news/muhsin-muhammad-great-on-his-own-and-part-of-something-greater
  4. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career.htm
  5. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_yds_career.htm
  6. https://www.profootballhistory.com/muhsin-muhammad/
  7. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axum-capital-partners-launches-new-300m-fund-with-expanded-leadership-team-and-sharpened-focus-on-food--beverage-brands-302559497.html
  8. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/09/07/muhsin-muhammad-5/
  9. https://americanfootball.fandom.com/wiki/Muhsin_Muhammad
  10. https://lansingsportshalloffame.org/people/muhsin-muhammad/
  11. https://kids.kiddle.co/Muhsin_Muhammad
  12. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Muhsin_Muhammad
  13. https://www.yourpaf.com/blog/the-next-generation-of-you-muhsin-muhammad/
  14. https://talkoffametwo.com/nfl/muhammad-how-my-dad-nick-saban-made-me-a-top-receiver
  15. https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/football/spartans-muhsin-muhammad-julian-peterson-nick-saban
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/receiving.html
  17. https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhsin-muhammad-ii-2a99135
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/1995-leaders.html
  19. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/1995-receiving.html
  20. https://msuspartans.com/news/2013/10/16/Top_Games_in_Spartan_Stadium_History
  21. https://cougarstats.com/games.php?show=details&game_id=3596
  22. https://vault.si.com/vault/2005/12/05/class-of-96
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MuhaMu00/gamelog/1996/
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MuhaMu00/gamelog/1997/
  25. https://www.panthers.com/news/muhammad-announces-retirement-2311263
  26. https://www.panthers.com/video/85-yards-muhsin-muhammad-sets-super-bowl-record
  27. https://www.panthers.com/news/25-seasons-muhsin-muhammad-2004
  28. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/02/25/Panthers-release-veteran-receiver/37481109378698/
  29. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/13710/muhsin-muhammad
  30. https://www.patriots.com/news/all-pro-receiver-muhammad-signs-with-bears-88841
  31. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/02/27/big-bears-catch/
  32. https://www.nfl.com/news/offensive-questions-abound-at-bears-training-camp-09000d5d8094f2c3
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200702040chi.htm
  34. https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2007/12/27/18538471/thursday-practice-update-ii
  35. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3267399
  36. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/04/panthers-steve-smith-muhsin-muhammad-made-me/
  37. https://www.denverpost.com/2008/09/14/milestones-11/
  38. https://www.panthers.com/news/foxhole-delhomme-to-start-852465
  39. https://www.panthers.com/news/muhsin-muhammad-q-a-2311521
  40. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5271143
  41. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_yds_single_season.htm
  42. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_td_single_season.htm
  43. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MuhaMu00/gamelog/post/
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/10/sports/football/panthers-win-nfc-divisional-playoff.html
  45. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401180phi.htm
  46. https://www.nfl.com/photos/super-bowl-xli-09000d5d800459e1
  47. https://www.panthers.com/photos/panthers-all-time-receiving-leaders
  48. https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-to-induct-julius-peppers-muhsin-muhammad-into-team-s-hall-of-honor
  49. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/single-season-receiving.htm
  50. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/carolina-panthers/leaders/season-receiving-touchdowns
  51. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/panthers-induct-julius-peppers-muhsin-muhammad-into-hall-of-honor-first-additions-since-2019/
  52. https://mergr.com/investor/axum-capital-partners/team/mushin-muhammad
  53. https://msuspartans.com/news/2010/9/24/Football_Media_Center_Northern_Colorado
  54. https://niuhuskies.com/news/2010/9/14/Huskies_Start_Road_Swing_at_Illinois
  55. https://chicagoemmyonline.org/files/2021/05/2006-Chgo-Emmy-Recipients.pdf
  56. https://wfnz.com/1114398/muhsin-muhammad-offers-words-of-wisdom-for-panthers-wrs/
  57. https://www.panthers.com/news/muhsin-muhammad-crafted-legacy-well-beyond-playing-days
  58. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/02/03/muhsin-muhammad-living-a-rich-life-after-football/
  59. https://www.nrn.com/mergers-acquisitions/former-nfl-player-looks-to-score-as-a-restaurant-investor
  60. https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/24/charlotte-athlete-investors-wellness-private-equity
  61. https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/12/11/muhsin-muhammad-on-his-journey-from-nfl-pro-to-private-equity.html
  62. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article236095373.html
  63. https://sanctuary.nbpa.com/summit/speakers
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkVfHJ4Vor4
  65. https://www.ninertimes.com/sports/charlotte-cross-countrys-maddon-muhammad-lets-motivation-guide-him-to-success/article_4f55228a-8c0f-11ee-90e2-e74d2584bac4.html
  66. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/09/18/he-has-turned-into-a-model-citizen/
  67. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/sports-legends/article287346670.html
  68. https://12thman.com/sports/football/roster/moose-muhammad-iii/11555
  69. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4685144/moose-muhammad-iii
  70. https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/07/14/panthers-officially-waive-wr-moose-muhammad-iii-injured-reserve/85200683007/
  71. https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/former-texas-am-moose-muhammad-iii-released-carolina-panthers
  72. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/98404/moose-muhammad-iii
  73. https://www.aol.com/news/shhh-carolina-panthers-great-muhsin-090000741.html
  74. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=M2FO001
  75. https://ncleg.gov/Files/Library/studies/2007/st11688.pdf
  76. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/behailu-academy-2018-mosaic-awards-ellie-mcintire
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