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Since the tragedy occurred, the victims of a shooting at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte have been on the minds of everyone in the greater Charlotte area, including the Carolina Panthers. But, while the thoughts and prayers of many across the region are surely appreciated by those affected, Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore offered much more than that.
On Sunday, Moore had made a (presumably unexpected) visit to UNC Charlotte student Drew Pescaro, who was among those injured in Tuesday's shooting.
Pescaro is a writer for the Niner Times, and has been in stable condition since undergoing surgery for his injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Moore's hospital visit to Pescaro is a great testament to the player's character. Moore is entering his second year with the Panthers and his first as the de facto “top” wide receiver on the team.
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The first receiver taken in the 2018 Draft, Moore made the PFWA All-Rookie Team after leading the Panthers in all-purpose yards, which included 788 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 55 receptions.
While many have already anointed Moore the No. 1 target for Cam Newton, the reality for the Panthers is that title will be more fluid as the team changes its philosophy at the position.
“I think the traditional who the No. 1 receiver is really is based on gameplan, based on matchups, based on route combinations and based on the reads that the quarterback makes. I think that's what's more important,” said Panthers head coach Ron Rivera at the NFL Owner's Meetings in March.
Moore will star in a receiving corps that will include, among others, rising third-year star Curtis Samuel, Jarius Wright, Torrey Smith, and free agent pickup Chris Hogan.
