A North Texas football team has turned its coach's medical condition into a way to get fans fired up.
UNT's new head football coach, Dan McCarney, wears sunglasses all the time. His shades have become a fan favorite.
The shades aren't a fashion statement. In fact, they cover up McCarney's medical condition.
"There is a hole in the cornea, but there's been complete detachments in my eye. I went through a number of surgeries to save the eye, save the sight, save the vision. None of those worked," McCarney said.
McCarney says the vision in his right eye may never come back.
"If not, I am still living a pretty good life the way I am," McCarney said.
His sunglasses have become a fan favorite and have gained some attention on campus. Students sport them to show they care.
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"I think it is in support of him, support of the team," UNT Athletic Director Rick Villarreal said.
This Saturday, the first 3,000 students to arrive at the game against Western Kentucky University will get a free pair of sunglasses. The team hopes this attracts more fans to the game.
"I love it. I appreciate it, and if it means giving us a better chance to win a game because more students come to games, then fantastic," McCarney said.
As McCarney rebuilds the UNT football program, he does it in style, using one situation to hopefully turn the other one around.
