The Carolina Panthers were not able to duplicate their spectacular season in the NFL last year when they went all the way to the Super Bowl 50, only to loss to the Denver Broncos with a lopsided 24-10 final score.
The current NFL season has not been as spectacular for the Panthers as they only ended with a 6-9 win-loss, which was dead last in the NFC South, reports KROD.
Despite the disappointing season which was also highlighted by his dismal play in the field compared to his performance last year, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton decided to make up for it before the New Year when he made the Christmas wish of a sick 10-year-old body come true.
Early last month, Austin Deckard, 10, was diagnosed to have an advanced pulmonary hypertension. He is about to undergo a surgical procedure to help address his severe heart condition.
His only Christmas wish was to meet Newton, his favorite football player.
When the 27-year old Panthers quarterback learned about Austin Deckard and his wish, Cam Newton spared no time and chartered a flight to Atlanta to surprise the young boy.
Newton arrived in Atlanta in wild amazement and delight of Austin Deckard. Based on the video of the visit of Cam Newton at the hospital, Austin was seen wearing Newton’s No. 2 Auburn jersey and he immediately embraced his favorite football player and almost would not like to let go.
An emotional sight
Those who have witnessed the sight found it hard not to tear up as Cam Newton and Austin Deckard shared that special moment and everyone realized how a star athlete like Newton can make a huge difference in the lives of young people.
The story of Newton’s big surprise to Austin started one week before his visit to the boy with a post on social media from Austin’s elementary school teacher, Courtney Cooper.
She mentioned on social media Deckard’s condition and how he wished to meet his favorite football player.
The teacher posted on Instagram that Austin told her that he wished Cam Newton could come to his birthday party.
She added that Austin may not ever make it to an Auburn football game but she knows social media is a strong force that can make things happen.
True enough, Newton got the message, and Austin’s wish became a reality on December 26.
A first overall pick
Cameron Newton played college football at Auburn and was drafted as the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He is the only player in the modern era to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and become the first overall pick in an NFL Draft within a one-year span.
Newton was the 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year, is a three-time Pro Bowler, and was named to the NFL All-Pro First Team in 2015.
In his rookie year, Newton broke all-time NFL rookie records for passing and rushing yards. He became the first NFL quarterback to throw for 400 yards in his first game, shattering Peyton Manning’s first-game record by 120 yards.
He also broke Otto Graham’s 61-year-old record for passing yards by any quarterback in an NFL debut.
Newton went on to become the first rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. He also ran for 14 touchdowns, more in a single season than any quarterback in NFL history, breaking Steven Grogan’s 35-year-old record.
In 2015, Newton became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 30 touchdowns and rush for 10 in the same season.