Mike Tolbert

Mike Tolbert (born November 23, 1985, nicknamed The Tollbooth, is an American football running back and fullback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Coastal Carolina University.

College career
Tolbert had a four-year career at Coastal Carolina University and was named a second-team FCS All-American after leading the Chants in rushing with 748 yards on 111 carries and 9 touchdowns. In four years he had 303 touches without any fumbles. He followed in the footsteps of Quinton Teal who was undrafted in 2007, but went to Carolina Panthers training camp as an undrafted free agent and made the roster becoming the first CCU player to play in an NFL game. At Coastal Carolina, Tolbert also was teammates with quarterback Tyler Thigpen, now with the Buffalo Bills, and wide receiver Jerome Simpson, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings.

San Diego Chargers
Tolbert was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers on April 28, 2008. Tolbert played in 13 games in the 2008 season (starting 7 at fullback) and rushed for only 37 yards on 13 carries. In the 2009 season, Tolbert rushed for 148 yards with one touchdown, as well as catching 17 passes for 192 yards and three receiving touchdowns. In 2010, Tolbert emerged as a co-starter along with Ryan Mathews, and broke out with 182 carries for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Carolina Panthers
On March 19, 2012, Tolbert signed a four-year, $10 million (4.2 guaranteed) contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Personal
Tolbert received his nickname, "Yogi", from his sister because Yogi Bear was his favorite television cartoon as a child. He is also known as "Big Mike". Mike is married to California native, Shianette Tolbert (née Fernandez). Mike and Shianette have one daughter, Mikeala Rae Tolbert, born on October 3, 2011 at UCSD Medical Center.