To honor the memory of those who died while in service to our country, each Carolina Panthers player will wear a decal with the initials of a fallen service member on their helmets when they face the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
During the game, the service members will be honored in a video tribute and their loved ones will be welcomed onto the field between the first and second quarters to receive a replica helmet with the decal, signed by the players wearing their family member's name.
This marks the third consecutive season in which the Panthers have worn the initials of fallen service members. This special recognition during the Nov. 13 game is part of the Panthers' and the NFL's annual "Salute to Service" military appreciation campaign.
"This is a special game for us as we recognize all who have served this country and remember the legacy of our fallen service men and women," head coach Ron Rivera said. "As the son of an Army officer, I have a strong personal connection to the Armed Forces, and I'm humbled and honored that our team has the opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families."
All recognized fallen heroes have a connection to the Carolinas – they were natives of the region, or trained or deployed from a base in the Carolinas. Recognized service members were identified and randomly paired with players with the help of the USO of North Carolina and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
This year, for the first time, players met the families of the fallen heroes. The interaction took place following Sunday's practice.
View photos of the Panthers as they meet with families of fallen heroes who will be recognized during Monday's game.
