The NFL world was shocked and taken by storm when the Carolina Panthers announced that they would be benching their No.1 overall pick Bryce Young. The team gave up their entire franchise for Young and has now benched him after only 18 games as a starter.
Many people pointed out that other solid quarterbacks were terrible when they walked through the Panther’s doors, and now they are playing like some of the best in the NFL. Namely Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold who are both off to an awesome start this year.
Bryce was reportedly shocked and furious by the benching, but his recent media session is getting tons of praise from fans for his class and maturity in reacting to his benching.
Bryce Young Shows Grace and Class in the Face of Adversity
Young addressed his benching in the media this week, and he was as classy and mature as always in his response. When you hear these things from a player when dealing with adversity, you can’t help but root for him to come back stronger.
Young took responsibility for the benching and wants to use it as motivation to get better. Many people can quickly point blame at others in the face of this adversity but he owned it all;
“For the last year and these two games, for the most part every snap hit my hands and I didn’t do enough with it,” Young said, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “I take accountability for that. There’s a long list of things that I wish I was better at and I’m going to continue to work to grow and improve on.”
Young added that he’s “always going to look in the mirror” while working to improve.
“Everyone’s dealing with something. Everyone has circumstances,” he added. “If I went out there and played better and we won games … we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
Looking in the mirror is something few players do, and it shows leadership in the face of a challenge from Young. While many wanted to call the Young trade the worst in history, others have pointed out the fact that the Carolina Panthers are a terrible organization.
One of those people was Baker Mayfield himself, who offered encouragement for Young:
“For Bryce, I can relate to this, finding that belief within yourself again,” said Mayfield, who is thriving with the Buccaneers after flaming out in Cleveland and Carolina. “He’ll get it. His story is far, far from finished.”
Young should certainly get another shot in the NFL, and based on what happened with Baker and Darnold, hopefully, it will be for another team.
NFL Fans Applaud Bryce Young For His Maturity
Fans have applauded Young and his maturity in this tough situation:
“Classy response as usual,” Thomas Leary wrote. “Consistent with his whole time here. Agree with the benching but do hope Bryce finds success in his career.”
“Bryce Young is a man of high character,” a Panthers fan said. “He’s saying all the right things, but I believe he says what he means.”
“Appreciate his humility, but I still feel for him being in this situation,” Reggie Wilson wrote.
“He’s a class act,” a fan said. “I really hope it all works out for him, whether it’s here or with another team.”
In 18 career starts, Young has totaled: 3,122 passing yards, 11, touchdowns, and 13 interceptions with a 70.9 quarterback rating. He clearly was not good enough, but also needs more time to develop in the NFL. He should get another chance soon to prove himself.
Related: ‘Furious’ Bryce Young Already Eyeing Exit From Carolina Panthers (REPORT)
