The Panthers have made the right plays all season. Carolina is the NFL's lone undefeated team at 12-0.
Off the field, they continue doing the right thing. Last Friday night, before traveling to New Orleans for the Panthers' latest win, Luke Kuechly accompanied Jessica Hayes to her 21-year-old birthday party. Hayes has autism, cerebral palsy and is partially blind.
Kuechly embraces his role as Hayes' date and even expresses some nerves.
"Hopefully she doesn't walk in like, 'Ah, I wanted Cam [Newton] to come,'" he says.
Hayes gives Kuechly a tight hug, showing off her new wardrobe and hair. Hayes' cake is decorated as a Kuechly jersey.
WBTV cameras even catch Hayes doing the "Whip" and "Nae Nae."
The night was organized by Dream on 3, a North Carolina-based organization that helps children with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities or life-altering conditions. The WBTV story was part of anchor Molly Grantham's "Molly's Kids" segment.
Winning is contagious for the Panthers, with or without the uniform on.
