Last year in Asheville, North Carolina, 11-year-old Jase Garland had a bone marrow transplant to battle Myelodysplastic syndrome. As he was facing death the Make-A-Wish Foundation asked what he'd like. His dream was to play QB for his favorite team the Carolina Panthers. Everyone decided that due to the severity of his condition they would promise he would get his shot once he got healthy. That gave Jase even more inspiration and this week with a clean bill of health the now 12 year old boy got his wish granted.
The Panthers welcomed Jase as one of their own. They had a group of fans waiting to ask for his autograph as he entered the facility. The mascot took him by the cheerleaders who had his name on signs as they cheered for him. Once inside he got a tour of the facility before meeting the head coach. Then Jace and his agent (mom) signed a contract with the coach and GM. He then met the 2 QB's he was replacing Andy Dalton and Bryce Young who shared some of their insights about the position. At the team meeting they brought Jace in as their newest player and he got a big ovation. They then fit him for his helmet and pads. He went to the mic to address the dozens of media members who had gathered. Then he suited up with the black jersey of the QB's and played with the squad against the white jersey's scrimmage in front of thousands of fans at the Bank Of America Stadium.
When it came time they ran a trick play. Of course the D was focused on Jace as the QB but instead they snapped it to his backup Bryce Young who then handed it off. Jase made a quick move, and then took it over the left side and was untouched as he scored a touchdown, after which the entire team ran to celebrate with him.After the game he walked off the field victorious with Bryce telling him what a great read he had on the Defense. Then his mom had to ask for a photo with all the other fans trying to get their pic with him