Carolina Panthers quarterback Taylor Heinicke will make his first ever NFL start on Sunday, and he will undoubtedly be thinking of his father when he takes the field. The team is thinking of the late Brett Heinicke, too.
Heinicke’s father passed away when the quarterback was a freshman in college. Taylor was just finishing his first season at Old Dominion when his “best friend” died of cardiac arrest. With Taylor making his first start against the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers had a touching tribute for the 25-year-old and his family.
Got a seat and a shirt saved for you today, Brett Heinicke. pic.twitter.com/vl9c9ZB7Kd
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 23, 2018
While speaking with reporters this week, Heinicke recalled how his father put together a highlight tape when Taylor was in high school and contacted 250 colleges on his behalf. Heinicke eventually received a scholarship offer from Old Dominion, and he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 after going undrafted.
“He was my best friend,” the QB said of his father. “I would say he’s like the best father. He did everything for me. That hit hard. … I’ll tell you one thing, though, he would have been at every game. Whether it was away, in London, he would be there. He would drop anything for me, which is what any great father would do.”
The Panthers are obviously concerned about whatever is going on with Cam Newton’s shoulder, but it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the Heinicke story. Winning his first NFL start would be an incredible way for Taylor to pay tribute to his late father.
