Bryce Young Reveals Big-Name Rapper Reached Out to Him When He Got Benched

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 3:27 PM ET

After just two weeks of his second season in the NFL, former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young was benched for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.

Looking back, that might have been the best thing for the former Alabama star. Since returning as the starter, Young has been playing his best football as a pro. On Friday, Young shouted out a world-class rapper who reached out to him during his benching.

"(Rod Wave) hit me up when I got benched and everything," Young said. "(He was) just being supportive (and) just sending support. I was definitely grateful for that, super cool. Definitely appreciate it."

Young also highlighted the unexpected nature of the rapper's message.

"Just from that, I didn't know him before that," Young said of how the two know each other. "He just reached out, and I've been tapped into his music for a while. I'm definitely a big fan of his music and everything."

The question surfaced because of a story that Wave posted on Instagram. Wave said in the post:

"@bryceyoung aye bra call me," with Young being tagged in the post.

In his last four games, Young has thrown for 858 passing yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. The Panthers are 2-3 in the five games since Young returned to the lineup, including back-to-back nail-biting losses against the league-leading Chiefs and the defending NFC South division champion Buccaneers.

Young did not disclose what Rod Wave said to him during their chat, but it's possible that the rapper made a difference. It's why some are now calling him the 'QB whisperer.'

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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