Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst got a bit overexcited after catching his first touchdown of the season, which also happened to be the first touchdown pass of quarterback Bryce Young’s career.
After crossing the pylon, Hurst took a couple of steps before heaving the football into the crowd, rather than returning the ball as a keepsake for the rookie quarterback.
After Sunday’s loss, Hurst took to X, formerly Twitter, to clear the air over his forgetful touchdown celebration, indicating that the ball was returned to the team and was “back in safe hands.”
“Yes, I blacked out and threw Bryce’s first touchdown in the seats... But they threw it back and the ball is in safe hands... everyone can relax and dial it back about 30%,” wrote Hurst, alongside a crying-laughing emoji.
Yes, I blacked out and threw Bryce’s first touchdown in the seats...
— Hayden Hurst (@haydenrhurst) September 10, 2023
But they threw it back and the ball is in safe hands… everyone can relax and dial it back about 30% 😂
Fortunately, it seems the fans that ended up with the ball were willing to return it to Carolina after Hurst “blacked out” in the moment.
Not great: Hayden Hurst tossed Bryce Young's first career NFL TD into the stands.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 10, 2023
🤦♂️🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/6nJWdx0eOb
While the No. 1 pick wasn’t able to get a win in his NFL debut, he did throw his first-ever professional touchdown. And after overcoming some minor obstacles, Young and the Panthers were successful in getting the ball back.
