Bryce Young’s Growth and Resilience After Being Benched: A Faith-Fueled Journey

Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, faced a challenging start to his career with the Carolina Panthers. After being benched following Week Two, his future as the franchise quarterback came into question, sparking trade rumors and widespread scrutiny. For the first time in his life, Young found himself in a situation beyond his control, which deeply tested his character. Despite the adversity, he remained focused on his development, using the setback as an opportunity to refine his skills and mindset. In this uncertain time, Young turned to his faith, trusting that God had a plan for him. His response to being benched highlighted his resilience, growth, and unwavering belief in the larger purpose behind his challenges.

Facing Scrutiny and Finding Strength Through Faith

Following his benching in Week Two, Bryce Young became the subject of trade speculation, with the Miami Dolphins among the teams rumored to be interested. At that point, his record stood at a troubling 2-17, casting doubt on his future as the first overall pick. His performance contributed to the perception that the Carolina Panthers were becoming a laughing stock in the league. In his appearance on the show Facility, Young opened up about the emotional and mental toll of being benched while emphasizing his commitment to improving. He expressed how his faith helped him navigate the adversity, reinforcing his belief that God had a greater plan for him. Despite the setbacks, he remained dedicated to learning from the experience and continuing his growth as a player.

A Humbling Experience and Growth Through Adversity

Young shared how, for the first time in his career, he felt completely out of control, recalling that the last time he wasn’t a starter was his freshman year of high school. Being benched was a humbling experience, but he remained focused on staying positive and making the most of the situation. He attended meetings, watched films, and constantly worked on improving. During this time, his faith grew stronger, and he became even more certain that each challenge was part of God's plan. With his back against the wall, Young found strength in trusting that the adversity would lead to personal growth and improvement. He consistently reminded himself that faith in God's plan provided him with peace and resilience, helping him move forward with a renewed perspective.

Support from Coaches and the Veteran Influence

When asked about the role of his coaches and veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in his turnaround, Young reflected on how valuable their guidance had been. He and Dalton would have numerous conversations about adapting to different situations, particularly from the time he was benched to when he returned to the field. Young also credited offensive coordinator Thomas Canales for his support in the quarterback room, where he was able to learn a new system and gain more confidence. He appreciated the time Canales gave him to adjust and noted that his coach trusted him more to make changes on the fly when necessary.

Staying Confident and Focused on Team Success

Young was also asked twice by different media outlets about who he would like to see as a manager on the field, and his responses were notably polished and quarterback-like. On the show Facility, he explained that he believes God has the answers for him and that those decisions are ultimately "above his pay grade." Even after a season in which the Panthers only won five games, Young remained confident in his team’s potential. He shared that the team was eager to play together again and that they were motivated for the future. The staff of Facility joked about how Young’s answer was perfectly "quarterback-like," adding humor to the discussion and playfully poking fun at the defense.