AUSTIN CORBETT, CENTER
During his seven-year NFL career, Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett has consistently honored, empowered and connected with the military community. In 2022, Austin created a special bond with Brian Conwell, a disabled army veteran who lost both his legs in 2014 while serving at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Against all odds and while battling combat-related mental challenges, Brian learned to walk and eventually competed in the Paralympics, earning four gold medals. Austin honors Brian and all veterans through recognizing the Wounded Warrior Project during the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative. Austin's meaningful friendship with Conwell was the catalyst for Austin's unwavering support of the military community. Austin participates in pregame field visits with the Panthers Row of Honor guests, honoring service members and purple heart recipients attending each game. Austin supports Veterans Bridge Home in providing Christmas shopping assistance to veteran families. He spent hours with Merging Vets and Players to uplift veterans transitioning to civilian life. In his words: "It'd get very emotional at times but to see the success stories of people coming out of dark holes because of community support was incredible." Austin connects to the military community events including the Oorah Hooah 7-on-7 football tournament and military training camp visits. He travels to military bases in the Carolinas, sharing gratitude and boosting troop morale. The Carolina Panthers are pleased to nominate Austin Corbett as their 2024 Salute to Service Award nominee.