Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young turned heads on Sunday with a highlight-reel touchdown pass that earned praise from an NBA icon. In a season-ending overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons, the 2023 first overall draft pick dropped back on 4th and 1 and delivered a 12-yard strike to tight end Tommy Tremble – all while confidently turning his back to the play and raising his arms in celebration before the ball even reached its target.
The brazen no-look pass immediately drew comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry, who’s famous for his signature move of running back on defense while his three-pointers are still mid-flight. Curry, a noted Panthers fan from his native North Carolina, wasted no time giving Young’s highlight his stamp of approval.
Confirmed.
– Steph Curry via Instagram
Curry wasn’t the only luminary athlete impressed by Young’s swagger. Former Panthers MVP Cam Newton, who was known for his own vibrant touchdown celebrations, chimed in with his review of the rookie’s bold move:
thát īš ÑħT¥ wrk @_bryce_young thátš.ßØØG1Ė.ápprøvēd‼️
– Cam Newton via Twitter
Young’s Rapid Rise in Carolina
After a rocky 0-2 start that saw the 2023 top pick briefly benched, Young bounced back with a stellar second half, leading the upstart Panthers to a surprise playoff berth. His teammates and coaches credit the newfound confidence for unlocking his true potential down the stretch.
“He’s got fire. He’s got swag,” said head coach Dave Canales. “He’s handling it in the right way. He’s letting it come to him with humility and hard work.”
Guard Robert Hunt said the Steph-esque celebration is “definitely in Young’s DNA,” while teammate Tommy Tremble, on the receiving end of the viral TD, said he “love[s] seeing him be himself, make plays and have fun.”
Shining When It Matters Most
Young saved his best for last in Week 18, scoring a crucial win to punch Carolina’s ticket to the postseason. His late-season surge has the team brimming with optimism heading into next year.
- Threw for 3 TDs, 0 INTs in must-win game
- Ran for a key first down in OT to set up winning FG
- 3-0 record versus division rival Falcons as a rookie
At just 23 years old, Young appears poised to be the Panthers’ franchise quarterback for the next decade and beyond. If his rapid development as a leader and big-game performer is any indication, expect to see plenty more of his signature Curry-esque flair under the bright lights.
With a playoff debut on tap and an entire offseason to hone his craft, the sky’s the limit for Carolina’s rookie sensation. Look for Bryce Young to dial up even more magic in 2025 as he aims to establish himself among the NFL’s elite young signal-callers.
