Bryce Young reveals advice he received from Panthers legend

It turns out the on-camera interview involving current Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young and franchise legend Cam Newton during this year’s ESPY Awards wasn't the only offseason interaction between the two.

"I’ve had a couple of exchanges with Cam, and we’ve talked multiple times," Young said Tuesday, via Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire/USA Today. "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 still caring so much about the organization."

Much has been made about Young's struggles as a rookie and about what Carolina did this offseason to help the first overall pick of the 2023 draft turn things around this year. The Panthers hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales to be Young's new head coach. Carolina later bolstered its offensive line and gave Young needed weapons in wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, along with rookie running back Jonathon Brooks.

As for Newton, the one-time regular-season Most Valuable Player is undeniably the greatest quarterback in Panthers history. He's also somebody who experienced plenty of highs and lows as an NFL starter. 

Young revealed on Tuesday how Newton told him "to persevere" coming off a tough rookie campaign, via Ian Kayanja of AtoZ Sports. The 22-year-old finished the season ranked 30th in the league with a 33.4 adjusted QBR, according to Pro Football Reference stats.

"Yeah, just keep working," Young added about advice he's received from Newton. "He loves the city, he loves the organization. And just to know that that’s something we’re all striving for the same thing. But just continue to work, continue to grind the same way and that’s something I’ll take to heart."

Nobody within the Panthers has openly questioned Young's desire to become a franchise quarterback worthy of being the top selection of any draft class. If, however, he endures yet another rough season, a regime that didn't draft him may at least explore different options regarding the sport's most important position this coming winter.