Bryce Young, the new quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, held a free football camp at Johnson C. Smith University. Throughout the camp, he pushed the message of mental health first. His “Young 9 Foundation” sponsored the event, bringing in over 250 energetic and enthusiastic future young professionals. They were thrilled at the opportunity to learn from the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. Young democratically, almost rabidly, disseminated his football wisdom. In particular, he had words about mental health, a topic that hits home for the NFL’s leading rusher following an extremely difficult rookie campaign.
Fast forward to 2023, and Young faced life’s biggest challenges during his first season as a professional football player. He ultimately finished the season on a low note with a 2-15 record. His malaise went through the next season too, starting that year off with an 0-2 record. Just two games into the 2024 season, that hadn’t gone well and Tate was benched. His decision immediately raised alarms over his mental health and performance.
Young’s father, Craig Young, is a licensed therapist and mental health professional who has played a crucial role in shaping Bryce’s understanding of mental health. When Bryce was eventually benched, Craig publicly expressed concern that his worries. He underscored the different kind of challenges young players are up against, particularly quarterbacks with great expectations.
“There are all these challenges, especially for young players, particularly young quarterbacks, with all the expectations,” – Canales
Even with these obstacles, Bryce Young was able to turn to the groundwork laid by his father’s knowledge to guide him through precarious predicaments. Yet he still doesn’t think that it’s football that shaped him – rather the other way around. His dedication to mental health—as well as surrounding himself with people he trusts—has served him well in managing the pressures and disappointments from his time in the league.
At the football camp, Young explained breathing exercises he’d learned to attendees as a form of mental health practice. He underscored the fact that mental health is a part of everyone’s life, ever since birth and for everyone no matter who you are.
“Mental health is real in the sports industry,” – Xavier Legette
Young’s focus on mental health had struck a chord, not just with the kids at camp, but with other athletes as well. He shared personal insights into how meditation has become a routine part of his life, enabling him to remain centered during turbulent times.
“Meditation is something that has been a part of my routine for a while. It allows me to stay centered whenever I feel like I’m going through something. It’s like a reset button,” – Bryce Young
The rookie signal caller will have quite the gauntlet to traverse on his way there. This hasn’t stopped him from being committed to raising mental health awareness with his platform. He understands that it is now, more than ever, the key to achieving success off the field and on.
“Regardless of how far football or sports or whatever takes you, mental health is something that will take you further,” – Bryce Young
During the camp, Young implored participants to not avoid their feelings, and know that all people will go through great days and terrible days.
“It’s something we all go through. It’s a part of all of our lives. There’s good and bad days for all of us,” – Bryce Young
Xavier Legette, another collegiate athlete and Young’s co-counsel, lauded Young for overcoming adversity and his perseverance through a tough career. He remarked on how Young’s understanding of mental health has helped him overcome challenges, further solidifying the importance of this topic in sports.
“That’s what helped him. He never gave up. He knew what needed to be done and took off with it,” – Xavier Legette
As he continues to develop as both a player and an advocate for mental health awareness, Bryce Young demonstrates that success in sports goes beyond physical skill. He advocates for mental health. More importantly, his aim is to motivate this next generation of athletes to take care of themselves in addition to working on their athletic skills.
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