CHARLOTTE, N.C. β When Charlotte visits Florida Atlantic to open the 2022 season, they'll carry a No. 49 jersey onto their sideline.
In fact, they'll do it all year.
The team has dedicated the jersey number, and the entire season, to the memory of Devin Kiser.
The 10-year-old from Mooresville died in March after fighting Leukemia.
Before that, Kiser had become a big part of the 49ers program, bringing inspiration and smiles during his visits with the team.
"I can't say enough about our players and how they were with Devin," coach Will Healy said. "The impact Devin made in our lives, you can't ever put a value on that."
Kiser's parents visited with the team during practice on Tuesday.
"We'll be thinking of him and his family," Healy said. "I know it's been a hard last couple of months."
The only time a Charlotte player will wear No. 49 this season will be when wide receiver Victor Tucker, normally No. 1, returns punts.
That's to avoid having duplicate numbers while he's on special teams.
Charlotte opens the season at Florida Atlantic on Saturday night.
Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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