Greg Hardy possessed the physical tools that translated into immediate edge presence for Carolina's front four after he was drafted from Mississippi in the 6th round of 2011. Operating as a power rusher at right defensive end, Hardy relied on explosive initial burst, long arms, and heavy hands to collapse pockets and set the edge against the run.

After integrating into the rotation as a rookie, Hardy secured the starting position in 2011 and rapidly established himself as one of the league's most formidable pass-rushers alongside Charles Johnson. He recorded 11.0 sacks in 2012 and subsequently achieved a career-best performance in 2013. During that season, Hardy equaled the Panthers’ single-season record with 15.0 sacks—including a franchise record of 4.0 sacks in a Week 17 division-clinching victory over Atlanta—while also contributing 61 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. His outstanding performance earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors, while he played a key role in anchoring the league's second-ranked defense.

Carolina placed the franchise tag on Hardy prior to the 2014 season, but his career in Charlotte came to a sudden halt after just one game. Following an arrest and conviction for domestic violence, Hardy was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List for the remainder of the 2014 season. After his contract expired, the Panthers opted not to re-sign him, ending his time with the organization.

Hardy subsequently signed with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2015 season before retiring from the NFL. With the Panthers, he had 34 sacks and 203 combined tackles.