Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young certainly isn’t the most boisterous personality in the NFL. In fact, “boisterous” may be the last word one may use to describe the 22-year-old.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t also describe him as a leader.
CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones recently took a trip to his old stomping grounds in Charlotte to get the lowdown on the new relationship between Young and first-year head coach Dave Canales. Canales spoke to Jones about Young’s calm disposition, one that may appear too calm for some.
“Bryce is very much comfortable with being a leader,” he said, “but he also understands that there’s a level of respect gained by working and performing to the highest of your standards. He was not satisfied with his performance last year. He knows he’s got work to do. So he’s not going to try to take this vocal role because that’s not what he does.
“But he will call the offense up after different practices and just capture moments where we look good, where we are moving. Or if there was a day where it was like clunky and we’re not lining up properly, he has no problem saying, ‘Guys, our standard is higher than this.’ And it’s a very clear message. I think he’s very tactful in finding those little situations, and I can tell he’s really comfortable with that role, really.”
Young’s low-key demeanor, which was questioned during a particularly rough rookie campaign, isn’t exactly the typical style you see amongst many of the game’s top leaders. Heck, 31-year-old veteran Jadeveon Clowney, who is in his first season with the Panthers, even made note how quiet his quarterback can be earlier this month.
What are your thoughts on these comments about Bryce Young from Clowney? pic.twitter.com/uMjyY6c0Cf
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) June 11, 2024
But the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick has proven that his approach has worked in the past, and he’s just going to keep being who he is.
“I’m big on controlling what I can control and making sure that that’s what’s focusing,” Young told Jones. “Whatever happened the past year — the good, the bad, whatever. It’s not something that I can control. It’s not something that holds sway over what we’re doing anymore. So I think the more energy you put on stuff that doesn’t have any effect on what we’re trying to be. You can take away from the goal in itself.”
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