Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas USA TODAY NETWORK
Christian Rozeboom knows what it’s like to be an afterthought within an NFL organization. He also knows what it’s like to be on top of the NFL world, holding up a Lombardi Trophy with his teammates.
The new Carolina Panthers linebacker has experienced the extreme ups and downs of the pros. And on Thursday, as he put pen to paper on a one-year contract with his new squad, he was able to appreciate that the winding road to Charlotte wasn’t for nothing.
“Just being undrafted, kind of just my journey as a whole — hasn’t necessarily been the easiest, but it’s been worth it,” Rozeboom said. “And I think it’s just given me perspective on all different types of roles on the team, and just excited to see what my role is going to be here, and just play to the best of my ability.”
May 28, 2024; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during OTAs at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Jayne Kamin-Oncea USA TODAY NETWORK
Rozeboom, a former standout at South Dakota State, went undrafted in 2020. He spent his entire rookie year on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad and was waived as part of final cuts during his first two years in the league.
He eventually signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, and was elevated to make his NFL regular-season debut on Oct. 24, 2021.
Rozeboom lasted just one game in Kansas City, but his time away from Los Angeles eventually landed him a reunion with the Rams. Rozeboom would play nine regular-season games for the Rams in 2021. He then was a special teams contributor during Los Angeles’ run to a Super Bowl LVI win.
From there, Rozeboom had earned his spot on the 53-man roster. But his ascension into the defense took a couple more years.
He played a combined seven defensive snaps during his first three years in the league — including his rookie season on the practice squad. But midway through 2023, Rozeboom started getting defensive snaps and took advantage of the playing time, producing 79 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception as a role player.
In 2024, he cemented himself as an important fixture in the Rams’ defense, starting 11 of 17 games and collecting 135 tackles, a sack, four pass breakups and an interception.
Rozeboom grew within a Rams defensive system that mirrors Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s mode of attack. The 28-year-old linebacker feels like his development in Los Angeles as a read-and-react linebacker will help him in a similar defense.
“I’ve been blessed to have some great coaches around me that have really helped me along the way,” Rozeboom said. “And just making the most of my opportunities, staying healthy, and the read-and-react thing, I think that’s just being comfortable in the defense you’re in. The less you’re thinking out there, the more you can make those quick decisions.
“So, I’m kind of excited to be in that same scheme, and hopefully I can just build on that, and just help this team win however I can.“
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez USA TODAY NETWORK
The Sioux Center, Iowa, native will actually be reunited with Evero in Carolina. The pair worked together for a couple of years in Los Angeles, when Evero served as a safeties coach.
Defensive end A’Shawn Robinson and nose tackle Bobby Brown III, a fellow free-agent addition, were also on that Rams squad that won a Super Bowl after the 2021 campaign.
“It’s going to be nice to have some familiar faces,” Rozeboom said. “And obviously, A’Shawn, too. But good to have Bobby back in front of me, and he’s just a monster. He’s strong, he’s big, and he’s aggressive, and I’m excited to have him in front of me, and get to meet some of my new teammates and just kind of go from there.”
Evero’s unit in Carolina was the worst scoring defense and worst rushing defense in the league last year.
Rozeboom will be asked to help alleviate those woes. And he is also likely to compete with returning starters Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace for playing time at inside linebacker.
The Panthers’ goal, first and foremost, will be to stop the run. If Rozeboom can provide consistent stops in that area, he will see the field often, whether he’s running with the first team or not.
“I think OTAs are going to be huge for us, just kind of getting that familiarity with everybody and just kind of getting on the same page and we’ve got a long time to figure it out,” Rozeboom said. “We’re not going to figure it out the first day, the second day — it’s going to be a lot of days of work. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m excited to meet everybody and kind of get on the same page, schematically, and just build relationships with those guys, too.”
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Darren Yamashita USA TODAY NETWORK
The 6-foot-2, 237-pound defender isn’t sweating his new environment. While there’s a bit of uncertainty in regard to his job, his outlook on the defense and his teammates is one of familiarity.
“The scheme — it’s what I’ve been involved with for five years now,” Rozeboom said. “So it’s something I’m comfortable with, but ready to grow in whatever role that is. And then whatever kind of nuances they have kind of over here.”
The Charlotte Observer
Mike Kaye covers the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. He is a graduate of the University of North Florida.