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

UNC Football's Acclimation Period is Complete, Now Position Battles Truly Begin
North Carolina donned full pads for the first time since training camp started on Wednesday but was back in shorts and shoulder pads on Thursday,...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

How UNC wide receiver Trech Kekahuna adds 'dog mentality' to Tar Heels offense
Trech Kekahuna feels like he’s always been overlooked. That’s just what happens to players from Hawaii, he said. But as the transfer receiver from Wisconsin...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

Colts WR Josh Downs sees opportunity approaching
This is Josh Downs' moment. "I'm trying to show I'm a really good receiver," the Indianapolis Colts wideout said. He averaged 787 receiving yards and...
Fri Aug 7, 2026

College football archenemies for every power-conference team
We compiled a list of the archenemies of every Power-4 school and the stories that make them public enemy No. 1. North Carolina: Bobby Bowden...
Fri Aug 7, 2026