Panthers’ McCaffrey, Thompson launch youth sports program with CMPD

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As an organization, the Carolina Panthers have been outspoken and supportive of many causes that are helping to promote change in the Charlotte community.

On Monday, running back Christian McCaffrey (No. 22) announced that he and teammate Shaq Thompson (No. 54) are launching an initiative that will use sports as a vehicle for change by helping underserved youth in the Charlotte area.

With “22 Together: A partnership with 54” the players will work with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Police Activities League to provide sports programs to the city’s underserved youth. Volunteers from the police department and business community will serve as coaches in the program.   

In a message posted to the website McCaffrey said recent events had been weighing heavily on him, and he wanted to do something to show support for the Charlotte community.

“Sports have always been an important place for mentorship, support, and growth for me,” the post read.

“By teaming up with Shaq and our partners, we hope that this is one small step toward better unifying our community and setting a promising path forward for our youth. When we come together on a field of play, it helps unite us everywhere else.”

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