Ahead of NFL preseason debut, Panthers QB Bryce Young gets lesson from Aaron Rodgers
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Bryce Young heads into his NFL preseason debut this weekend with a quarterback-friendly bonus from the final days of his rookie training camp: Rubbing shoulders with Aaron Rodgers.
Young, 22, had never met the four-time NFL MVP until Wednesday, when they mingled before a joint practice session. But having watched Rodgers sparkle for years as arguably the NFL’s most talented quarterback, it’s no wonder that the new face of the Carolina Panthers seemed a bit star-struck in reflecting on the 39-year-old legend.
“It’s great being able to see him work and see him operate,” Young said. “That’s someone that I’ve observed and always looked at and watched for a long time growing up. So, just being able to watch him in person…We were on different fields, so I didn’t get to see all of his reps. He had come up to me before and was really nice, and we were able to have some words. Again, I have so much respect for him and it’s a great opportunity. I’m definitely grateful.”
Although Rodgers won’t appear for the New York Jets in the exhibition at Charlotte on Saturday, the joint practice on Wednesday (the session scheduled for Thursday was canceled after heavy morning rain) provided the contrast of one of the NFL’s most accomplished stars for a generation working on one field while one another potential star practiced on the other field. The Panthers selected Young, an Alabama product, with the No. 1 pick overall in April.
Rodgers dropped a flood of compliments during his post-practice media session, declaring that Carolina “is in good hands” with Young. He said that he’s heard much about Young for years, pointing out that they share the same agent, David Dunn. He watched Young in college and was impressed with former Heisman Trophy winner's demeanor, poise and passing prowess.
And Rodgers left Young with something to think about in terms of handling the pressures and expectations that come with his high-profile position. The vet said that his advice to the rookie would be to “be gentle with himself” and not beat himself up over mistakes.
When that message was relayed later, Young beamed.
“When you talk about someone like Aaron Rodgers, who has had so much success for so long, any advice that he gives I’m definitely going to be receptive to and listen to,” he said. ”I’ll definitely take that (into) account.”
Of course, a benefit of being in close proximity to Rodgers on the practice field was to chance to observe and formulate his own impressions.
Young’s takeaway?
“Obviously, you could just tell the command, how in control he is, how confident he is in all that he does,” Young said. “The efficiency, decision-making, quick decisions. Knows where to go with the ball and definitely has a great presence in the pocket. I have the utmost respect for him.”
Long before he shared a practice field with Rodgers, Young gained an appreciation for the unorthodox throwing skill that is an essential component of what makes him one of the game’s greats. It’s striking that Young’s knack for throwing dimes off-schedule and from so many angles – demonstrated on Wednesday with a sizzling, off-balance completion to DJ Chark Jr. – is a trait that seemingly comes straight from the book of Rodgers. Young won’t dispute that assessment.
“I think not just for me, but for a lot of people, he has opened that door for people to change arm angles,” Young said.
Young knows. While Rodgers can make it look as those it’s all instinct and freestyling, the attached footwork and techniques make the throws from the crazy angles possible. It has undoubtedly changed the way the position is played, so much that Young considers Rodgers a pioneer.
“Before, there was a negative stigma that you have to do this, and you have to throw the same way every time,” Young said. “He was kind of the guy that opened the door that not only can I just make it, but I can be consistent, elite, and have this as not just something every once in a blue moon, but a part of my game. Because of that, I think that was huge for me and created an opportunity for myself, and a lot of guys.”
And if Young blossoms into the star quarterback that the Panthers are hoping for, his connection to Rodgers will be that much more profound.