After crash, UNC linebacker plays in memory of friend

Posted Oct 13, 2012
There were weeks when Tommy Heffernan couldn’t get out of bed, when his mom had to serve him meals in his room. He slept through some days. At night, dreams of the car crash and flames haunted him. Sometimes, those dreams fooled him into believing that his best friend, more like a brother, survived. Then Heffernan would wake up, and the real nightmare – the one he couldn’t escape – would begin again. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Cedric Gray details scary UTV accident, returns to Titans lineup: 'Blessed to still be alive'
Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray returned to the field in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the season opener due to a freak...
Wed Sep 23, 2026

UNC Kicker Rece Verhoff Eligible After Latest Court Ruing
Kicker Rece Verhoff is once again eligible to kick for the Tar Heels after a Monroe County, Indiana, judge granted a preliminary injunction in his...
Wed Sep 23, 2026

What Does UNC Do at Quarterback?
Leadership is a significant part of quarterback play. And Bobby Petrino has talked about the importance of leadership at quarterback for decades. We know Billy...
Wed Sep 23, 2026

North Carolina's quarterback situation raises an uncomfortable question
Three games into Bill Belichick’s second season at North Carolina, the Tar Heels face an uncomfortable question at quarterback. Does Belichick have a quarterback development...
Tue Sep 22, 2026