Damiere Byrd breaks out for Carolina Panthers in preseason opener

After spending his first two NFL seasons on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, former South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd entered his third year needing to make an impression in the preseason. Byrd did just that on Wednesday night against the Houston Texans, hauling in four receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns (as well as seeing some action at punt return).

His first score, a 50-yard bomb, is a sight South Carolina fans will quickly recognize:

His second touchdown wasn’t as flashy, but showed he can get open on a short field, too:

The Panthers named Byrd their top performer of the game and also provided this helpful video if you’d like to recreate his touchdown celebration:

And the man himself had a special message on his way to the locker room:

There’s still a long way to go before the final roster cuts, but Byrd is off to an excellent start stating his case as a speedy, downfield threat for the Panthers’ receiving corps.