Muhsin Muhammad

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 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. He recorded his first NFL touchdown on a 54-yard reception in Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams. Despite battling an injury, Muhammad finished his rookie season with 25 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown in nine games. 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.

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

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. His 102 receptions during the 2000 season tied for the NFL lead. Muhammad averaged over 1,000 yards each season from 1998 to 2000.

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.