Dreaming big at every age
The media workroom was full on Wednesday, a sign of an ascending team heading into Week 1, with reporters lining the walls just to find a spot. But front and center was a certain reporter who couldn't help but stand out just for how small he was compared to everyone else.
It was Atlas, a 10-year--old reporter with WBTV, and he had a question for the Canales.
"Why is it important to know that kids like me can connect with the head coach and the Panthers?" Atlas asked with a clear and strong voice.
"It's about having a dream," Canales beamed in response. "If your dream's not big enough that it doesn't scare you, your dream's not big enough and I think you're sitting here right now being able to ask me questions right here in this room this is amazing."
After finding out that Atlas is just 10, the coach commended him for finding a passion and knowing what it takes to chase it as such a young age, as well as offering some encouragement for the times ahead.
"I just remember falling in love with football when I was about 12 years old and I just couldn't get enough of it and so you know, as you have this opportunity and you keep envisioning yourself doing this for a living, I think that dreams are what pull us through hard times and we'll do whatever works necessary to get there."
It's a poignant reminder and lesson, no matter the age.