Tomorrow's "Together We Make Football" segment on TODAY, narrated by NBC Sports Group's Josh Elliott, tells the inspirational story of 13-year-old Carolina Panthers fan Austin Smith. Elliott will report the segment live for TODAY.
This week's "Together We Make Football" segment profiles Austin Smith, who loves the Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton and fantasy football. At age 3, Austin was diagnosed with a mild case of cerebral palsy affecting his lower body. His diagnosis resulted in surgeries followed by eight years of physical therapy. Austin regained some mobility, but still uses a wheel chair. Nonetheless, Austin competes in the Challenger Flag Football League for kids with disabilities sponsored by the Carolina Panthers. He also is the commissioner of his fantasy football league, posting weekly fantasy reports on YouTube. Last fall, Austin passed up a chance to meet his favorite Panthers player, but is in for a surprise tomorrow. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers host Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Coverage begins with FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA at 7 p.m. ET on NBC.2014 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE | ||
Sun., Sept. 21 | Week 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers |
Sun., Sept. 28 | Week 4 | New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys |
*Sun. Oct. 5 | Week 5 | Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots |
*Sun. Oct. 12 | Week 6 | New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles |
*Sun. Oct. 19 | Week 7 | San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos |
*Sun. Oct. 26 | Week 8 | Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints |
*Sun. Nov. 2 | Week 9 | Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers |
*Sun. Nov. 9 | Week 10 | Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers |
*Sun. Nov. 16 | Week 11 | New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts |
*Sun. Nov. 23 | Week 12 | Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants |
**Thurs. Nov. 27 | Week 13 | Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers |
*Sun. Nov. 30 | Week 13 | Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs |
*Sun. Dec. 7 | Week 14 | New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers |
*Sun. Dec. 14 | Week 15 | Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles |
*Sun. Dec. 21 | Week 16 | Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals |
*Sun. Dec. 28 | Week 17 | TBA |
*Flex Week
** Thanksgiving Night Game
Videos