When Cam Newton interviewed Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on the red carpet during ESPN’s coverage of the ESPY presentations last month, the former Auburn All-American told the former Alabama All-American: “I’ve talked to a lot of people here, but this conversation is a little different. I know what you’re going through. I’ve been where you are, the frustration and even yearning for the success.”
Newton and Young were Heisman Trophy winners picked by the Panthers at No. 1 in an NFL Draft – Newton in 2011 and Young in 2023.
Newton went on to win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and lead Carolina to the Super Bowl in the 2015 season.
“Someone like Cam’s career, you look back on it and you think about MVP, you think about all the great things he did,” Young said at Carolina’s training camp. “And just like anybody, any person in life, sports, there’s ups and downs, so just to persevere, to push through things. And, obviously, you want to be invested where you are, where your feet are and be there, but know that through ups and downs just to keep working.”
Despite their similarities entering the NFL, the quarterbacks had vastly different rookie seasons.
Newton became the first rookie in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards and set an NFL single-season record for quarterbacks with 14 touchdown runs in his first campaign.
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Although Young threw 10 more passes and completed five more in his rookie season than Newton in his, Carolina’s current QB had 1,174 fewer passing yards and 10 fewer touchdown passes.
Young said the core of Newton’s advice to him since joining Carolina was “just keep working. Again, he loves the city, loves the organization, and just to know that we’re all striving for the same thing. But just to continue to work, continue to grind the same way, and that’s definitely something I’ll take to heart.”
Carolina had a 6-10 record with Newton as a rookie starter. The next season, the Panthers won one more game, then went 12-4 in 2013. Carolina went 2-14 with Young as its starting QB last season.
“We’ve talked multiple times,” Young said, “and, obviously, he’s been here, he’s done great things here, so I’ve tried to pick his brain about some things. I’m grateful for his support, I’m grateful for him, obviously, still caring so much for the organization, caring about the city. That’s someone, obviously, growing up – I have a ton of respect for now, had a ton of respect for growing up. I loved to watch him play, so just anytime I get to ask questions. …
“There are a lot of things he’s given me guidance on, that he’s made himself available to me for, which I’m very grateful for, and just being able to have that definitely means a lot.”
When a foot injury ended his 2019 season after two games, Newton had had one head coach and three offensive coordinators while playing for the Panthers. Young is on his third head coach as he prepares for his second season.
Carolina hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales in January to guide the team in 2024.
The Panthers open their three-game preseason schedule on Aug. 8 against the New England Patriots and kick off their regular-season slate on Sept. 8 against the New Orleans Saints in an NFC South game.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
