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'He was my best friend': Panthers QB Heinicke remembers father before first career start

By Kristin Leigh
By Kristin Leigh

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sunday was a dream come true for Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

[RELATED: Ryan, Falcons hand Panthers 7th straight loss, 24-10]

Heinicke made his first career start when the Panthers played the Atlanta Falcons after starting quarterback Cam Newton was ordered to sit out the rest of the season due to an injury to his shoulder.

With playoff chances for the Panthers now slim to none, the team hoped to rally enthusiasm from fans by allowing them to get to know Heinicke.

Heinicke has overcome adversity to get to this moment. At a press conference this week, Heinicke said his very first phone call when he found out he was starting was to his mom.

[WEEK 16: Panthers QB Heinicke out to prove he's no joke vs. Falcons]

The story, though, is more about who he could not call.

Heinicke said his greatest football influence was his father, Brett.

He died of a heart attack in 2011 at the age of 50, just days after Heinicke completed his freshman season at Old Dominion University.

"Your parents are always your No. 1 fans. For him not to have his dad here to see him in this moment is something that will be on his mind," said Panthers fan John Spegal.

After throwing his first professional touchdown pass Sunday afternoon, Heinicke patted a tattoo on his shoulder and pointed to the sky, paying tribute to his late father.

"He was my best friend," Heinicke said. "I would say he's the best father. He did everything for me."

It was a big day for the quarterback, one his father dreamed of when he sent highlight tapes to 250 colleges during Heinicke's senior year of high school.

When asked if Heinicke's performance was enough to make him Newton's permanent backup, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera praised Heinicke but added that there were missed opportunities and he wants to see how it looks on tape.

Despite Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Panthers fans said they are excited to see what the future brings for the team and Heinicke.

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