Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s first press conference as a starting quarterback in the NFL gave him some time to reflect on an incredibly hectic week.
And he grew emotional, thinking about the person who he wishes could see him start on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
“My freshman year (of college), my father passed away unexpectedly the day before I was supposed to go home for winter break,” he said on Thursday, his voice cracking a bit.
“He was my best friend. But I would say he was the best father. He did everything for me, and it hit hard.