Local

High school football player gains inspiration from Panthers Greg Olsen

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen stopped by the Channel 9 studios Tuesday to shoot a promotional video for his charity The Heartest Yard's upcoming 5K run.

It was a bigger day for North Mecklenburg High School senior and football player Jaelyn Gray.

He admires Olsen's skills on the field and his to drive help others.

Gray was diagnosed with cancer in his left eye when he was one-year-old.

He wears a prosthetic eye, but vision challenges never stopped him from playing football.

“I'm seeing the field way different from other people,” Gray said. “They can see two ways. I can only see one.”

Gray starts his next challenge at Palmetto Prep this fall.

“Don’t try to predict a million steps down the ride,” Olsen told Gray. “You never know how things work out, or what opportunities present themselves. Just handle what's in front of you the best you can.”

Gray will take Olsen's advice with him as he strives to succeed and spread his own message too.

“I can tell other people going through cancer, ‘Keep the faith and keep battling. Don't give up. I didn't give up, don't give up,’” he said.