From injury to inspiration: Max Johnson ‘blessed’ after first TD pass in 667 days is to his brother

CHAPEL HILL — A year ago, Max Johnson lay on the field with a gruesome leg injury that ended his season soon after it began. On Monday night in Chapel Hill, he completed a journey few thought possible to add a positive note on a night that otherwise went horribly wrong for North Carolina in a 48–14 loss to TCU in Bill Belichick’s debut.

‘Magic’ in the making: No-look pass earns nickname for UNC starting QB Lopez

CHAPEL HILL — The nickname started with a no-look pass in practice. The starting job came minutes before Gio Lopez fielded questions from the media as deftly as he eludes a pass rush. When North Carolina takes the field against TCU on Monday night, it’ll be a new era in Chapel Hill with Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama who his teammates now call Magic, starting at quarterback.

Newmark brings NASCAR mindset to UNC athletics, acknowledging it will make some ‘uncomfortable’

Steve Newmark grew up in Chapel Hill, rode his father’s shoulders during the 1982 NCAA championship celebration on Franklin Street, and once got permission to skip a college exam to watch the 1993 Final Four with his family. He says honoring the UNC athletics traditions will require bold changes that some Carolina fans might resist.