When fans arrive at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday for the Carolina Panthers' home finale, they will be bearing witness to the latest step in quarterback Taylor Heinicke's football journey. Once an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion, Heinicke will be making his first-ever NFL start against the Atlanta Falcons as he fills in for the injured Cam Newton and tries to guide his team to a much-needed victory.

For Heinicke and his family, today is an extremely special day - But a day on which perhaps the most important person who helped Heinicke get to his current position will not be present. The Panthers have recognized this, and have made sure to save a seat for the most-loving spirit watching over Heinicke.

Sunday morning, the Panthers announced that they have saved a seat at Bank of America Stadium for Taylor Heinicke's late father, Brett Heinicke, with a T-Shirt draped over it.

Got a seat and a shirt saved for you today, Brett Heinicke. pic.twitter.com/vl9c9ZB7Kd — Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 23, 2018

Earlier this week, many unfamiliar with Heinicke learned perhaps the most emotional part of his story: As recounted by Bryan Strickland of the Panthers, Heinicke had completed his freshman season at Old Dominion and was only a day away from returning home for Winter Break when his father died suddenly of a heart attack. Seven years and some odd days later, Heinicke spoke with the Carolina media Thursday on exactly what his father meant to him and his career.

"He was my best friend. He did everything for me," said Heinicke. "He would have been at every game. Whether it was away, if it was in London, he would be there. He would drop anything for me, which is what any great father would do."

Heinicke recalled the work that his father had done trying to get him an athletic scholarship, as he had compiled a video of his son's highlights and mailed it to nearly 250 colleges across the East Coast. Not only that, but the elder Heinicke brought his son to approximately 10 to 15 camps each Summer, all with the goal of trying to help his son earn an opportunity.

That work will pay off when Heinicke takes to the field on Sunday, as he looks to respond to the challenge of having to take over for Cam Newton. Though Heinicke has little experience in regular season games, he has a lot going for him: Namely his experience in Norv Turner's offense, which helped him both earn an opportunity to compete for the Panther's backup quarterback job and win it outright.

Heinicke has taken a handful of snaps this season, mostly in Hail Mary situations. In Week 14, Heinicke completed a 33-yard pass for Curtis Samuel at the end of the first half against the Cleveland Browns - An illustration of his ability to stretch the field.