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Make-A-Wish Panther

Panthers welcome 4-year-old Adam Smith to the roster.

Adam Smith arrives at Marvin Ridge High School on Dec. 10, not suspecting that his Make-A-Wish request of becoming a Carolina Panthers football player soon will be granted. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam Smith arrives at Marvin Ridge High School on Dec. 10, not suspecting that his Make-A-Wish request of becoming a Carolina Panthers football player soon will be granted. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Panthers President Danny Morrison announces Adam Smith as the team's first pick in the 2010 Make-A-Wish Draft in front of a raucous, capacity-filled gym. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Panthers President Danny Morrison announces Adam Smith as the team's first pick in the 2010 Make-A-Wish Draft in front of a raucous, capacity-filled gym. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam, flanked by brothers Stephen and C.J., walks to the podium to the cheers of more than 1,200 Marvin Ridge students. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam, flanked by brothers Stephen and C.J., walks to the podium to the cheers of more than 1,200 Marvin Ridge students. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

As the No. 1 draft pick, Adam is presented with an official Carolina Panthers jersey by Morrison. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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As the No. 1 draft pick, Adam is presented with an official Carolina Panthers jersey by Morrison. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam is the center of attention. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam is the center of attention. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam arrives for practice at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday to find his very own locker room - equipped with his personal Panthers uniform. There to greet him were Sir Purr and TopCat Laura. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam arrives for practice at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday to find his very own locker room - equipped with his personal Panthers uniform. There to greet him were Sir Purr and TopCat Laura. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

On the practice field, head coach John Fox gives Adam the rundown on practice and discusses Adam's important game day duty of delivering the game ball. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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On the practice field, head coach John Fox gives Adam the rundown on practice and discusses Adam's important game day duty of delivering the game ball. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks reviews plays and strategy with Adam and his sister, Samantha. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks reviews plays and strategy with Adam and his sister, Samantha. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Long snapper J.J. Jansen and Adam complement each other on their sportswear. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Long snapper J.J. Jansen and Adam complement each other on their sportswear. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam meets Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam meets Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Taking a knee on the sideline with offensive tackle Jordan Gross. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Taking a knee on the sideline with offensive tackle Jordan Gross. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam makes his way to the team huddle and is introduced as the newest Panther to his teammates. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam makes his way to the team huddle and is introduced as the newest Panther to his teammates. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam makes his way to the team huddle and is introduced as the newest Panther to his teammates. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam makes his way to the team huddle and is introduced as the newest Panther to his teammates. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

When Adam arrives in the huddle, Coach Fox asks Adam if he had anything to say to the team. Adam replies, "Crush the Falcons." (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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When Adam arrives in the huddle, Coach Fox asks Adam if he had anything to say to the team. Adam replies, "Crush the Falcons." (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam and his teammates after practice. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam and his teammates after practice. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam and Steve Smith before kickoff. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam and Steve Smith before kickoff. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Running backs Tony Fiammetta, Mike Goodson, Tyrell Sutton and Jonathan Stewart drop by to visit Adam right before taking the field. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Running backs Tony Fiammetta, Mike Goodson, Tyrell Sutton and Jonathan Stewart drop by to visit Adam right before taking the field. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Jordan Gross wishes his teammate good luck. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Jordan Gross wishes his teammate good luck. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam delivers the game ball to Sir Purr prior to kickoff. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam delivers the game ball to Sir Purr prior to kickoff. (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

Adam is officially a Carolina Panther! (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)
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Adam is officially a Carolina Panther! (Photo by Ron Deshaies.)

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