Panthers players given helmet decals with the initials of fallen troops, urged to learn soldiers’ stories
Teams around the NFL will honor the military as part of the league’s “Salute to Service,” but the Carolina Panthers are taking a slightly different path. On Sunday, all 46 active players will have decals on their helmets representing the initials of a fallen soldier they are playing for. This week, the team urged players to learn about these heroes’ stories by putting bios in their lockers to read ahead of the team’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pro Bowl linebacker Thomas Davis explained how much it meant to him.
“I think it’s very important when you’re getting ready to go out and represent the family — especially with everything these families have given up for us and for our freedom. I think it’s important to know their story and really know who you’re representing and just reading his story — he was a tremendous man.”
In addition to the decals and stories, Panthers players signed helmets and sent messages to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Teams around the league will honor the troops — but no team is doing it in such a personal way. This is a perfect tribute, and hopefully more teams will adopt the tradition and learn directly about the lives of those who gave up everything to protect us.
