Wharton remains an undersized defensive tackle (280 pounds), but getting to that point was a feat unto itself for a former running back.
"Because of his work ethic and his athletic ability," Reid said. "He had been a running back, and he kind of outgrew that into a nose guard or defensive tackle, but very active player, great, great kid, quiet, a great kid and just tough."
Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis (formerly of the Chiefs) said last week that the initial plan was to stash Wharton on the Kansas City practice squad during the COVID-sequestered preseason of 2020. But his play on the field mandated they keep him on the 53-man roster.
"I mean, he was so clearly one of our best players that we couldn't do it to the rest of our roster and have any semblance of credibility with our team if Turk didn't make our 53," Tilis said. "And so that's just the kind of person and player he is, that he went in, did the work, performed, so that was exciting."