Maybe we shouldn’t call Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young the “new face of the franchise” just yet—at least until he thinks he’s earned it.
During his introductory press conference on Friday afternoon, just hours after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, Young was asked how he could go about winning over the locker room—something he knows isn’t a given just because of his status.
“I wanna do everything I can to earn the respect of my peers—the guys in the locker room, everyone in the building,” he stated. “I’m super grateful for what’s happened in my past and for being selected where I was. But I know that doesn’t entitle me to anything. It’s on me to prove myself—to show up every day and work and earn the respect of the people around me. And that’s something I’m looking forward to starting to do.”
Young, among many other traits, was lauded for his leadership ability during his time at the University of Alabama. And behind the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, the Crimson Tide ripped off a record of 23-4 with a pair of bowl wins.
Now, he’s ready to get to work and produce many more of those dubs in Charlotte.
