It happened.
For the first time in front of a camera, the only two No. 1 overall draft picks in Carolina Panthers history had a conversation. That chat went down at the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, when Cam Newton interviewed Bryce Young from the event’s red carpet.
Newton, the legendary quarterback-turned-media personality, took the opportunity to ask Young to address the Panthers faithful amidst the organization’s particularly rough stretch. Young, as usual, did not disappoint with his response.
“I just want them to know that I’m giving my all,” he replied. “We as a team, as an organization—we’re giving our all. Again, I get it—being a sports fans, being whatever it is, I appreciate how passionate the states of the Carolinas are. I’m grateful for that. I love being a part of that.
“We all don’t want anything worse than to win. We’re doing whatever it takes, we’re putting in the work and we’ll continue to do that. So, we appreciate the passion, we love it and I just want everyone in the Carolinas to know we’re gonna give our all to get where we need to be.”
“I know what you’re going through, I’ve been where you are.”
Love this interaction between Bryce & Cam. Don’t sleep on the competitive nature of Bryce. He may not be as vocal as Cam was, but he has that killer instinct. Ready for year 2!!! pic.twitter.com/TxCpGGvijv
— Panthers 24/7 (@Panthers24_7) July 12, 2024
Cam TOWERING over Bryce Young
pic.twitter.com/AobuH8ZG40
— Brendan Cole (@brendanmcole) July 12, 2024
Both men share a few unique experiences. In addition to being Carolina’s only two first overall selections, Newton and Young were tasked with trying to turn around a struggling product coming off of decorated, Heisman Trophy-winning college careers.
The challenge was met rather well by Newton—who put together a historic rookie campaign in 2011 and then proceeded to lead the Panthers to three NFC South titles and a Super Bowl appearance while bagging the franchise’s only Most Valuable Player award. Young, however, did not achieve that instant success—as he averaged 179.8 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns as a rook and watched his squad go an NFL-worst 2-15 in 2023.
But with just one chapter of this new era behind us, there’s plenty of story left to be told by the new guy—and the old guy will certainly be watching.