Many NFL fans dismissed Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young after a troubling rookie season transitioned into an unremarkable start to his second season, which ultimately resulted in rookie head coach Dave Canales benching him in favor of Andy Dalton after an 0-2 beginning.
However, after getting his job back, Young underwent a major turnaround and re-established himself as a potential young star in this league.
He recently opened up about his benching and how it impacted him.
Young is in New Orleans for Super Bowl week and stopped by The Facility on Friday morning.
“I was able to experience something new just about myself. This was really the first time that I didn’t know how things were going to play out. I’m super grateful God put me in that position to be able to experience that and I definitely feel like I grew as a man of faith, grew as a man just in general,” Young said about his benching.
.@_bryce_young details his growth from his 1st half benching: pic.twitter.com/WPcB51pAQr
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) February 7, 2025
It’s definitely the politically correct answer, but it was clear Young found something during his time on the bench, even if it was just a mental reset.
He threw for a measly 245 yards in his first two starts with three picks and no passing touchdowns, but after returning, he threw 15 touchdowns to just six picks over his final ten starts while also running for five touchdowns.
He threw at least one touchdown in every start after getting his job back, and it was enough to get fans excited again and solidify himself as the starting QB next season.
Instead of searching for a potential replacement and admitting Young was a bust, he changed the narrative.
The team can now go into this offseason with the priority of continuing to build around him instead of replacing him.
What a comeback story this has been so far.
NEXT: Panthers Coach Gives Honest Thoughts On Bryce Young's Development
