Bryce Young’s No-Nonsense Message to Panthers: Don’t Let Up Now
Bryce Young has no plans to let complacency creep in—and he’s making sure his Carolina Panthers teammates follow suit.
After a rough start to his NFL career, the former No. 1 overall pick engineered an impressive turnaround in the second half of the 2024 season. Following a tough benching early in the year, Young returned with renewed confidence and showed flashes of the franchise quarterback Carolina hoped he’d become. But for the Alabama product, 2024’s growth is only the beginning—not a reason to get comfortable.
Once labeled a potential bust after a shaky rookie year and two rough starts in 2024, Young was benched by new head coach Dave Canales. The bold move sparked a transformation. In his 10 games as a starter following his return, Young completed over 61% of his passes for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He also added five rushing scores and led the Panthers to four victories during that stretch—modest, but meaningful for a rebuilding team.
More important than the stats was the change in Young’s demeanor. He played with confidence, command, and resilience. The timid, hesitant quarterback from early in the season was gone. In his place stood a poised leader who teammates believed in—and followed.
But Young isn’t satisfied. In his words, last season’s finish “resets.” He wants to ensure the Panthers carry their progress into 2025 with a hungry mindset.
“We’re starting next year 0-0, and it doesn’t carry over,” Young said via Panthers.com. “We understand that we have to build off of that stuff; we’re not just entitled to it… I want to make sure that I’m working just as hard, if not harder, in the offseason… and we all have that mindset, which I’m grateful for.”
Young’s comments reflect a growing leadership role in Carolina’s locker room. With stability in the front office and coaching staff for the first time in years, and a relatively open NFC South, the opportunity is there for the Panthers to take a leap forward.
Entering Year 3, Young is on a mission—to lead, to win, and to prove he’s the cornerstone Carolina can build around. After finding momentum in 2024, he knows how fragile it can be—and he’s determined not to lose it.