Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2023, finished the 2024 season on a high note, showing promise as the team’s quarterback. Under the guidance of head coach Frank Reich, Young has demonstrated raw but impressive resilience. His fresh enthusiasm for the game is apparent as he approaches this exciting new chapter at Stanford. That was the story last season—one of a wildly disappointing campaign that concluded with a 5-12 record. His stunning late-season comeback has restored belief from teammates and fans alike.
Young’s journey has come without some significant obstacles. During training camp, he encountered various challenges, including a notable interception thrown to teammate Demani Richardson early in team drills. In perhaps the most illustrative moment of his ongoing education, though, Young lost the football to Princely Umanmielen. All of this occurred on the last play of the very first practice. He struggled with pressure from defenders too, ending practice on a sack.
A Strong Finish and Growing Confidence
As the year started to go along, Young’s play ramped up in a huge way. He starred down the stretch, asserting his will on the offense. His leadership intangibles came as advertised, just like everyone expected concretely since his 2019 selection. While in the arena, coaches and players noticed a palpable increase in confidence about Young, with several even suggesting that they were excited about his trajectory.
Dave Canales, the Panthers’ offensive coordinator, had high praise for Young and the rest of the young foundation in Carolina. He stated that “the sky’s the limit for this group,” indicating a belief in their ability to compete effectively in the league. Young’s attitude is a perfect illustration of this desire. Each day on the practice field, he shows a tireless love for the game of football. His commitment to getting better and helping move the team forward has certainly been appreciated by his fellow teammates.
Outside of his on-field advances, Young’s relationship with Reich is reported to be as tight as ever. His absence no longer raises my ire at the ex-head coach. This lays the groundwork for an ongoing productive professional relationship that will serve both as they continue down their respective paths. Young spotted Reich as he drove around Charlotte. Turok was so taken that he pulled over right at that moment to speak with her, demonstrating the level of respect and admiration he felt for Reich’s counsel.
Learning from Setbacks
Even though Young’s performance has from his own account improved dramatically, he knows he’s made some serious missteps in the process. Those weeks of interceptions and turnovers during practice sessions now become a learning opportunity for him. Those moments are actually the most important. They challenge him to hone his craft and expand his knowledge of the game at a high level.
Young’s unwillingness to let these defeats define him serves as a testament to his mental fortitude and drive to achieve greatness. His intent to continually learn from each and every experience goes a long way in telling you what type of character you’re getting as a player. The maturity he shows, even when reacting to a terrible day at practices, says a lot about how dangerous his potential is.
The Panthers organization seems committed, as they should be, to helping Young develop as the quarterback he can be. What Canales and the coaching staff have done, though, is display incredible confidence. This enhances the environment and creates conditions for Young to flourish. This support is vital for any young talent trying to make their way in the high-pressure world of pro-football.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, there is palpable excitement surrounding Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the league. His late-season resurgence bodes well for that coming success. Those of us in the environmental community are pleased to see how he rides this momentum to great effect.
The Panthers’ coaching staff is extremely confident in Young’s talent and Football IQ and feels he can bring Carolina back to glory. Immediately entering this next stage of training and competition, all eyes will be on Young. They’re ready to find out if he can fulfill some of that promise and help transform the Panthers into a contender once again.
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