Some men toil in their work, overlooked and underappreciated. In the NFL, they're known as long snappers, whose job is to go unnoticed.
For example, did you know only linebacker Thomas Davis, center Ryan Kalil and running back Jonathan Stewart have been on the Panthers' current roster longer than J.J. Jansen?
After coming to Carolina in 2009, Jansen has played in 106 straight games. But that streak is in jeopardy after he popped up on Tuesday's injury report.
"He had a headache this morning and there was a little concern, obviously," coach Ron Rivera said. "He said he had taken a shot [against the Redskins], so we'll see what the doctors decide."
For the past six and a half seasons, Jansen's allowed the Panthers to check off long snapper without any worry. He's had only one bad snap of note, the product of a wet ball in the 2010 season opener against the Giants.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Rivera wasn't sure if Jansen had been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol. If that happens, the Panthers will find themselves in a rare pickle. They'd likely have to sign a long snapper before Thursday's game at Dallas, and as unheralded as the position can be, it's not one you want to be plugging and playing.
When asked about options on the current roster, Rivera mentioned tight end Greg Olsen, defensive end Jared Allen and tight end Ed Dickson. For what it's worth, Olsen did long snap a bit on the punt team at Miami and Allen has this moment from 2011:
Google hasn't yet revealed anything on Dickson's long snapping experience, and for the Panthers' sake, let's hope he nor anyone else other than Jansen will add to their résumé this week.