Throughout his five-year NFL career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has given away footballs to young Panthers fans in the crowd after he scores a touchdown. A little bit of goodwill toward fans can go a long way, and this was especially true for Newton and one little boy on Sunday.
Newton continued his gift-giving touchdown tradition after scoring a one-yard rushing touchdown during the Panthers' 37-29 win over the Green Bay Packers. Little did the quarterback know, he was making the day of a 6-year-old boy who had recently dealt with tragedy.
Just look at that smile! According to ABC affiliate WSET, it belongs to 6-year-old Colin Toler, who lost his father to a medical condition on Sept. 30. Before Toler's dad died, he promised to take him to a Panthers game, but was ultimately unable to because his health worsened. Friends of the family decided to give Toler tickets to the game, and he ended up going with his grandparents.
WSET notes that Newton didn't know about the situation with the 6-year-old's father, but it's still an awesome coincidence.
And yet it almost didn't happen. Packers linebacker Julius Peppers, who had the football after the scoring drive, played a game of keep-away with Newton before tossing it away. Newton, in keeping with his for-the-fans tradition, went through the effort of chasing after the ball just so he could give it to a young fan.
That lucky young fan, out of thousands in attendance, just happened to be Toler.
Sometimes, the universe has a funny way of hand-delivering a helping of happiness to those who need it most. Newton and Toler will surely remember their heartwarming, completely coincidental exchange for a long, long time.
Amazing Photos From The 2015 NFL Season
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Open Image ModalGreen Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is flipped and brought down by Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/TNS via Getty Images) (credit:Colorado Springs Gazette via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns throws a second quarter pass behind the defense of Brian Orakpo #98 of the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles from cornerback Coty Sensabaugh #24 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Jason Miller via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalFOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Fans stand with a sign stating 'Hey Mr. Trump Tom Brady for V.P.' before the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (credit:Jim Rogash via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalHOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans is introduced before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in a NFL game on September 13, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) (credit:Thomas B. Shea via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: A Boston College Eagles fan holds a sign protesting NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Florida State Seminoles at Alumni Stadium on September 18, 2015 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (credit:Maddie Meyer via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalCHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Garrett Graham #88 of the Houston Texans makes a touchdown catch over A.J. Klein #56 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalTAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field prior to his first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (credit:Joe Robbins via Getty Images)
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Open Image ModalORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Buffalo Bills fans in the stands with "Deflategate" signs as the Patriots came onto the field. The New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Sept. 20, 2015. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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