HAMPTON, Va. - Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey followed in the footsteps of his father, former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey.
For Father's Day, the McCaffreys surprised another family sharing similar parallels.
Christian and his dad Ed teamed up with USAA and the USO of North Carolina to virtually surprise a military family for Father's Day. Both the father and daughter are active-duty service members and fans of the Carolina Panthers.
The daughter, Senior Airman Ella R., is active-duty with the United States Air Force and based at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton. Her father, Gunnery Sergeant Jeremy C., is active-duty with the United States Marine Corps and based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
"I just wanted to say thank you for your service," Christian said after appearing on Ella and Jeremy's screen. "I always wanted to be like my Dad."
"My Dad adopted me," the Senior Airman revealed. "He chose to take me on. It is very meaningful because he chose to be my Dad."
"I have deployed, and I've had a lot of responsibility on my name," the Gunnery Sergeant said. "But there's not really a greater calling than to be a family man - to be a father."
Watch the McCaffreys surprise the family here.
The experience was hosted by USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner as part of its commitment to authentically honor military through Salute to Service.
Dads and father figures play such a huge role in the paths we choose. Great to work with @USAA and the @USOofNC to surprise a @Marine and his daughter – who also chose to serve - for #FathersDay. Thanks to all those who guide and inspire us. #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/0AaLP8z1ub
— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) June 17, 2020
