Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey announced the launch of the "22 and You" program Thursday to support "health care heroes" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

ESPN's Adam Schefter provided the full statement from McCaffrey, who encouraged people to donate to help support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response in the Carolinas:

Last month, the Panthers showcased the 2019 Pro Bowl selection in a public service announcement about social distancing:

Team owner David Tepper has donated $2.65 million to several COVID-19 causes.

The 62-year-old Pennsylvania native, who became a billionaire as a hedge fund manager, was ahead of the curve when he raised concerns about the coronavirus in early February to CNBC's Jim Cramer.

"You have to be careful, because it may be a game-changer. So you've just got to be cautious," Tepper said, referencing potential investments in the stock market.

Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer reported the latest numbers from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services show almost 1,900 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths from the disease within the state as of Thursday morning.

McCaffrey has spent his entire NFL career with the Panthers since being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft.