Darren Waller's Triumphant Return: Two Touchdowns for Panthers

WHO:

panthers.com - Darren Waller, tight end for the Carolina Panthers

panthers.com - Coach Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers

panthers.com - Shane Queen, Waller's high school coach

panthers.com - Tyler Queen, Shane Queen's son and coach

WHAT:

panthers.com - Waller scored six touchdowns in nine games during his time with the Miami Dolphins after his comeback.

Heavy NFL - Devin Lloyd finished the game against the Falcons with two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, a sack, two tackles for loss, and three passes defensed.

panthers.com - Devin Lloyd's performance is historically significant as no other linebacker has had eight or more tackles, two or more interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack in the same game since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

panthers.com - Waller scored two touchdowns in the Panthers' 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

panthers.com - Waller became the first Panthers tight end since Greg Olsen on Sept. 22, 2019, to score two touchdowns in a game.

Heavy NFL - Waller officially retired from football after the 2023 season.

WHERE:

panthers.com - The game took place in Atlanta, Georgia.

panthers.com - Waller played youth football at Noonday Park, approximately 25-30 minutes from the stadium.

WHEN:

Heavy NFL - The game occurred on Sept. 20, 2026.

panthers.com - Waller took the 2024 season off before returning to play in the summer of 2025.

WHY:

panthers.com - Waller realized he still had more to contribute to football after taking a break and made a comeback by signing with the Miami Dolphins.

HOW:

Heavy NFL - Lloyd's pick-six came off undrafted rookie Jack Strand on his first NFL pass.

panthers.com - Waller worked out all offseason before signing with the Panthers in training camp.

panthers.com - Waller and quarterback Bryce Young spent time working on their chemistry during team drills.

Devin Lloyd had a standout performance against the Falcons, finishing the game with two interceptions, including a pick-six off undrafted rookie Jack Strand on his first NFL pass, a sack, two tackles for loss, and three passes defensed. His achievement is historically significant, as no other linebacker has recorded eight or more tackles, two or more interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack in the same game since sacks became an official stat in 1982. Meanwhile, Waller scored six touchdowns in nine games during his time with the Miami Dolphins after his comeback.