CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson is helping children in need with one of the first programs from his nonprofit, The Thompson Legacy Fund.
Shaq’s Smiles gives kids the opportunity to get dental work for free.
“So believe it or not, I had braces on, probably a year or two ago,” Thompson said. “I had a tooth right here that used to be crooked, and I used to hate smiling.”
[ALSO READ: Panthers’ LB Shaq Thompson selected as NFL Man of the Year nominee]
Thompson said he was about seven or eight years old when he realized he was uncomfortable smiling.
“I didn’t get to the dentist for 10 years,” he said. “Just couldn’t afford it.”
Thompson adopted the idea for Shaq’s Smiles from former teammate Kawann Short, who took part in similar initiative called Stats for Smiles.
In the video at the top of this webpage, learn more about the program and how it has helped on of its first recipients.
Shaq Thompson has been ballin’.🥶
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) November 20, 2021
But did you know, for every BIG play on the field, there’s a child gaining access to FREE dental care?
“It really helped me financially to be able to save that money and put it back into our home,” one mother said.
The story, at 11PM! @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/C9e89QJXU5
(Watch the video below: Panthers’ Shaq Thompson shapes legacy in Queen City)
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