Panthers' Corey Brown drops 'Philly' nickname

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Corey Brown has gone by "Philly" since his college days at Ohio State, but he's decided to drop the nickname ahead of his second NFL season.

"Philly was fun while it lasted," Brown told Pat James of the Charlotte Observer. "But at the same time, I'd rather have my regular name."

Brown recorded 21 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games last season after signing with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent. He also led the team with an average of 9.6 yards per punt return.

With increased competition at wide receiver this year, Brown will need to do as much as possible to stand out. The Panthers added Ted Ginn Jr., Jarrett Boykin, and Devin Funchess to a receiving corps that already includes 2014 first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery, and Stephen Hill.

"I can't control who they bring in or what they do," Brown said. "I can only control what I do on the field and leave them no choice but to play me."

Brown said he's bigger, stronger, and faster after spending the offseason working on his route running and agility. To his teammates, though, he's still the same old "Philly."

"Teammates will always call me 'Philly,'" he said. "Half of the people on this team don't even know my real name. But all of the coaches call me Corey now. As far as teammates, I don't think that will ever change."