Hunter Renfrow, a former Pro Bowl wide receiver, faced significant challenges in 2024 due to ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, which led to his absence from NFL competition for the first time since entering the league. Renfrow, who had a standout season in 2021 with 100 receptions, saw his performance decline in subsequent years, partly due to the disease's impact on his health, including severe weight loss and high fevers. The Carolina Panthers signed Renfrow to a one-year contract in April 2025, providing him an opportunity to revive his career in a region he considers home. Ulcerative colitis, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and fatigue, lacks a known cause or cure, but treatments can alleviate symptoms. Despite the health setbacks, Renfrow has worked to regain his physical condition and remains determined to make a successful return to the field.

Hunter Renfrow faced a challenging year in 2024 as ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, prevented him from securing an NFL position for the first time in his career.

Renfrow's performance saw a decline after his 2021 season where he recorded 100 catches, with his yardage dropping significantly in the following years, culminating in his release in March 2024.

The disease caused Renfrow significant health issues such as drastic weight loss and persistent high fevers, making it difficult for him to maintain his football career during 2024.

In April 2025, the Carolina Panthers signed Renfrow to a one-year contract, offering him a chance to restart his career in a familiar and beloved setting.

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum, causing symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and fatigue, and while its cause is unknown, treatments can help manage the symptoms.

Renfrow has since regained his weight and is eager to return to the field, maintaining his workout regimen as he focuses on his health and professional comeback.

The contract details with the Panthers were not disclosed, but Renfrow's career earnings suggest he is a valued player despite his recent health challenges.

The Panthers already added a new name to their receiving room when they selected Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

On April 27, they brought in another, securing the services of former Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow with a one-year deal.

Renfrow emerged as one of football's best slot receivers during a 100-catch season in 2021, but he was on the outskirts of NFL competition in 2024, failing to find a gig in the NFL for the first time since he entered into the league.

His health was a major reason why. Renfrow was felled by ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects some 1.6 million people in the United States.

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With that, here's what you need to know about Renfrow's disease, recovery, and potential NFL future in 2025 and beyond.

Hunter Renfrow's condition, explained

Renfrow proved himself a fairly productive pass-catcher during his five-year spell in Oakland and Las Vegas, collecting 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The 29-year-old WR saw his numbers wane over the final two seasons of his Raiders tenure, dropping from a high-water mark of 1,038 yards in 2021 to just 585 yards over the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. In March 2024, Renfrow was released.

Renfrow spent a year away from the gridiron, a curious move for a former Pro Bowler still entrenched in his physical prime. As it turned out, Renfrow was dealing with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease that can cause digestion issues and leave individuals living with the malady with fatigue, weight loss, and high fevers, among other issues.

"It kicked my butt pretty good," Renfrow told Panthers.com. "Last year, I fluctuated in weight; I went down to 150 pounds. I had like seven straight days of 103-degree fevers. It's tough to play when you're not feeling great."

Renfrow has regained his weight in the months since, saying he's "actually a little heavy now" after "eating too many Oreos at night."

Still, Renfrow's desire to get back on the field has lingered for much of the new year. He kept his workout regimen intact once he felt healthy enough to do so.

Carolina took notice, offering Renfrow a spot on its roster. A Myrtle Beach native, Renfrow feels it's the perfect place for him to restart his career.

"I'm probably a little biased, but I would tell them when I was in Vegas, you know, the Carolinas are the best place in the world," Renfrow said. "I would tell my teammates that over and over. And watching Cam Newton in the Super Bowl, just a lot of good memories. I've been a Carolina Panther fan my whole life, right?"

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and sores — also known as ulcers — in one's digestive tract.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ulcerative colitis tends to operate most aggressively within the colon's innermost lining. It can also affect the rectum. Symptoms tend to manifest gradually rather than in an instant.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, rectal bleeding and pain, urgency, and inability to pass stool as well as the aforementioned weight loss, fatigue, and fever.

The exact cause of the disease is unknown and it has no cure. Still, treatment for the ailment can greatly reduce and relieve its symptoms.

Hunter Renfrow contract details

• Years: 1
• Value: Not disclosed

Renfrow agreed a one-year contract with the Panthers on April 27. The terms of the deal remain to be announced, perhaps a reflection of where he stands in Carolina's receiving corps at the moment.

Renfrow has earned about $35 million over the course of his career.