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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Inspired by parents, Bryce Young goes from Bama to NFL humble yet confident

AP photo by John Bazemore / Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young works in the pocket during the season opener against the host Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.
AP photo by John Bazemore / Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young works in the pocket during the season opener against the host Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On April 28, the day after he was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young walked into the locker room at Bank of America Stadium and struggled to hold back his emotions as he looked at his locker for the first time.

He was in the league.

With his parents Craig and Julie by his side, Young glanced up at the name plate hanging above the locker. He looked over at the silver helmet with the Panthers logo and briefly touched the pristine game jersey resting neatly on a hanger.

Julie looked fondly at her son, smiled and said, “You did this.”

Bryce quickly corrected her, saying, “We!”