part of the USO program

A delegation of five players (four current, one former) are spending the week in the Middle East, visiting with troops as part of the USO program.
And so Panthers punter Jason Baker, Browns center Alex Mack, Chargers linebacker Takeo Spikes (pictured), Texans tackle Eric Winston, and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones will continue an annual tradition that began back in 1996.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/06/five-players-take-uso-tour-to-middle-east/

 

I believe he has gone before. By the time he gets back, he is likely to be 'former Panthers punter'.