Carolina Panthers cornerback Robert McClain isn’t the stereotypical jock that movies and television shows have been portraying for years. McClain has a strong head on his shoulders and knows the things that matter most in life are his family and his career along with a strong relationship with God. He was nice enough to sit down with Panthers Wire for an exclusive interview by phone and discuss his life, his art, and his football career.

” . . . I go back to where I went to high school in Maryland and they look up to me . . . just having that inspiration for them and to have someone coming out of that little county, that little town to make it professionally in one of the most physical sports out there, ya know just to show them that anything can happen, you can accomplish any of your goals if you just work hard . . . I want to be their inspiration . . .” McClain told Panthers Wire editor Matthew Stevens. When McClain goes back to where he grew up, he loves to take time out of his day to be around the kids and sign every autograph they ask him to sign.

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Football isn’t the only art that he has a talent for in his life, McClain is also a professional artist and sells his pieces online. McClain was an art major for a few semesters in college, but then switched to political science. He has been taking some art classes in the summers in Atlanta during the offseason, but he is mainly a self-taught artist. When his football career is finished, he wants to try to fully pursue being an artist and he wouldn’t mind working for Disney as an animation artist.

Keep Pounding has been a phrase that has helped McClain through his career recently. It was his second time getting cut last year and the motto helped him to keep working hard.

“If I didn’t keep pounding or working hard. . . I wouldn’t have the opportunity I have now. . . staying focused and taking advantage of opportunities. . . keep striving for excellence.” McClain has been working hard and made an immediate impact in the 2015 season for the Panthers. McClain was initially drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL draft and is finally back where his career began.

“I have always loved the city of Charlotte . . . It’s like being home . . .”