Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, who were selected first and second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, have a long-standing relationship that began well before their professional careers. The two quarterbacks faced each other in youth football and AAU basketball in California, developing a connection that has persisted into their time in the NFL.
“That’s my brother,” Young said after a recent joint practice between their teams.
“That’s my brother,” Stroud echoed from another interview tent.
Stroud has experienced more team success since entering the league, joining a franchise that has secured back-to-back AFC South titles and achieved double-digit wins each season. In contrast, Young’s early career was marked by instability, including multiple changes at offensive coordinator and an interim head coach during his rookie year. He also lost his starting job briefly last season before returning to finish strong.
Stroud reflected on Young’s resilience: “He’s very even keeled, very to himself. I think I’ve seen a dog come out of him that he has that a lot of people haven’t seen. But I know he dealt with some frustrations. I think it’s good that we go through these ups and downs to refocus you back on what’s important. I think he had that, and I had that last year as well. I think he bounced back like he should, and we all know he can. He’s a heck of a player, one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen in my life. He needs some help around him too.
“I’m just really proud of that guy. Just the same way he said about me, through every ups and downs, every valley and peak, he stayed the same guy, stayed loyal and stayed a friend and a brother. So, I’m very appreciative of him.”
Young’s performance improved as his supporting cast strengthened over time; investments in the offensive line reduced sacks significantly from 65 to 36 in one season while recent first-round picks focused on wide receivers.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales commented on Young’s development after watching him lead a late-practice touchdown drive: “Just our process, getting to the line, using his tools, using his answers, reading coverages, and just being accurate with the ball, extending plays when he had to,” Canales said. “And the more opportunities he gives our guys to make plays, they’ve come through for him.
“He did a great job today.”
Young expressed satisfaction with his situation: “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Young said. “I’m sure CJ would say the same thing about here. God doesn’t make mistakes, everything happens for a reason, so I’m super grateful to be a Panther.
“From my standpoint, always just trying to improve as a team, as a unit, as a group—we’re trying to keep going… Coach just talks about winning the day… that’s the mindset today; it’ll be the mindset tomorrow.”
Their families are also close—Stroud noted that his mother maintains contact with Young’s parents—and both players value having someone familiar nearby as they navigate their NFL journeys together.
Young spoke highly of Stroud’s character: “I think one of the biggest things that I respect about him is just his consistency as a person… throughout all that he’s been the exact same person… So I think just his ability to be that same person regardless of what his circumstances are is one of the things that I admire most.”
Both quarterbacks continue supporting each other while competing at football’s highest level—a testament to their enduring friendship amid evolving careers.
