Thomas Davis makes 7-year-old boy's dream come true

Tuesday, March 7th 2017, 5:45 pm EST

By WBTV Web Staff

CABARRUS COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - A 7-year-old boy in Cabarrus County is recovering from the surprise of his life.

Jonathan Rogers lives with autism. He faces lots of obstacles. Carolina Panthers captain and linebacker Thomas Davis made his dream come true Monday after surprising him at Harrisburg Elementary in a school assembly.

“I can’t wait to share my world with Jonathan,” Thomas Davis said. “I want to show him what it’s like in the day in the life of Thomas Davis.”

MOBILE USERS: Click here to see photos from the surprise and visit with Thomas Davis

The entire dream is courtesy of Charlotte-based charity, Dream On 3. They make dreams come true for kids facing uphill medical battles. They often support and lift up #MollysKids, children anchor Molly Grantham follows.

They asked Molly to come to the assembly to introduce the Panthers superstar.

Inside the assembly, no child knows who is really there. No one knows Davis is behind the curtain. No one knows he is there to surprise Jonathan, who is in the 3rd grade at the school.

You have to watch the video to see the reaction.

Afterward, Davis whisks Jonathan to Panthers Bank of America stadium for a tour of the weight room and locker room.

Then Davis takes Jonathan – and his parents – to his house to shoot hoops, play video games and shoot pool. An entire afternoon and night to hang out.

"Being in the position we're in as professional athletes, I feel like it's our duty and our job to reach back and interact with the community,” Davis said. “Days like today put everything really into perspective for me."