Travelle Wharton started 45 of the 47 games he played at left tackle for the University of South Carolina. He did not allow a sack after the second game of his freshman season in 2000, a span of 45 contests. In 2003, as a senior, he started all 12 games at left tackle. Wharton earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference recognition and was chosen to play in the Senior Bowl. He was a team captain and was the lone returning starter on the offensive line that allowed only 10 sacks the entire season.
Professional career
Carolina Panthers
He started the final 11 games at left guard as a rookie in 2004 after being inactive for the first five contests. He was the lone rookie starter on the offensive line in 2004 that yielded only 33 sacks, the third-lowest total in Carolina history. He started all 16 games during the 2005 season. In the first game of the 2006 season during a 20-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons he suffered a torn ACL and MCL and was placed on injured reserve thus ending his season. He returned to start all 16 games at left tackle during the 2007 campaign. Before the 08 season on February 14, 2008 Wharton signed a 6-year extension to remain with the Panthers. The deal has a total dollar value of 36 million an included 12 million dollars in guaranteed money. Travelle went on to start all 14 games he appeared in during the 2008 season at left guard, missing two due to injury. He was released on March 13, 2012.
Cincinnati Bengals
Wharton signed with Cincinnati Bengals on March 17, 2012. He was placed on injured reserve on August 24, 2012, after suffering a knee injury. He was released by the Bengals on July 22, 2013.
Second stint with Panthers
On August 25, 2013, Wharton signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Wharton announced his retirement on July 29, 2014.
Coaching career
Wharton was the offensive line coach for South Carolina during their 2015 season. On January 29, 2018, the Carolina Panthers signed Wharton to be their offensive line coach. In 2020, he joined the Washington Football Team as their assistant offensive line coach. This move reunited Wharton with newly hired head coachRon Rivera, who he worked with under with the Panthers.
Personal life
Wharton is married with three daughters and a son.