CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Ted Ginn Jr. has never liked being labeled a "specialist" and is looking to take advantage of a "fresh start" with the Carolina Panthers and prove to critics he can still play wide receiver in the NFL and be more than just a returner.

Tired of being labeled a "specialist," Ted Ginn Jr. is hoping to prove to the Panthers and the NFL "that I can still play receiver." David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/MCT via Getty Images

Ginn, the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft, left the San Francisco 49ers this offseason as a free agent after what he called a "tough season." Although the 49ers reached the Super Bowl, Ginn was pretty much a non-factor in the passing game, catching only two passes.

"I want to show the world that I can still play receiver," Ginn said. "I got kind of bashed over the years, being labeled a specialist."

During his first three seasons in the league with the Miami Dolphins, Ginn averaged 43 receptions and was used frequently as a ball carrier on reverses, as well as on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner.

But it wasn't enough production for the Dolphins, who traded Ginn to the 49ers for a fifth-round draft pick after three seasons.

Over the last three seasons in San Francisco, Ginn's playing time in the offense dwindled. He caught 31 passes in his first two seasons in the Bay Area before disappearing almost completely in 2012. This past year he fumbled four times, losing three, which didn't help matters.

But he still can't pinpoint why he never really got much of a shot on offense.

"You kind of get caught up in the politics a little bit, that side of the game," Ginn said. "You just have to roll with the punches and keep your name clean and your name right.

He's eager for a fresh start.