In most athletic endeavors, being short is usually a major hindrance to one’s overall success. We’ve seen guys in the past like Muggsy Bogues, Doug Flute, and Isaiah Thomas, all famous “short guys” who’ve had their share of success. More times than not, those cases are usually the exception, not the rule.

Bryce Young’s Road to Stardom

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young

Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) – Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports

For Carolina Panthers rookie and the No.1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft Bryce Young, being a five-star quarterback staring at the famed Mater Dei High School in California still didn’t deter scouts from being concerned about how his small stature would hold up at the next level, weighing in at just 5’10 and around 204 lbs during the combine.

However, throughout all the highs and lows of his career, Young has had his parents by his side supporting him.

Julie, a teacher, and Craig, a licensed therapist, have been married for over 30 years and raised their only child with an aligned parental strategy that included unwavering support for whatever Bryce does and their faith and religion, which Craig credits for his son’s success on the field.

“We always have the same prayer, even when he was young, that his performance glorifies God,” Craig said in an article on the Panthers website. “Whatever happens after is a manifestation of that. But it was never about your performance for material gain, or for a claim, or for popularity. He wanted to do this so he could glorify God. And that’s always been our enduring prayer.”

Being a part of their son’s life and providing him with a solid two-parent household was important to the Youngs, so much so that Julie would stay at Bryce’s practices once he started participating in sports while other parents would simply drop off their sons, and pick them up at the end.

“We would do everything together,” Julie said. “Even when we go to practices, I would go. I remember I had a friend ask me, like, ‘Why don’t you just drop him off and leave?’ And I was like, ‘No, I’ll stay. We all have to be together.'”

The family also has a strong bond over basketball (more specifically Allen Iverson) music and are self-proclaimed “foodies.” While some may think the family’s strong bond is unique, Bryce insists that they are a normal family, just like everyone else’s.

“We’re just a normal family,” Bryce said. “If you were to hear our conversations, they’re just like everyone else’s. I think it’s really cool that we can have that dynamic. Obviously, it’s a huge part of my life. They’re so loving, supportive, accepting.”

Bryce Young

Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) – Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY SPORTS

Soon after establishing himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Young had his pick of schools, ultimately committing to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team that has dominated college football for over a decade and put dozens of players in the NFL.

Although coming up short at leading the Tide to another National Championship, Young did everything you could ask for during his time in Tuscaloosa, breaking records and winning pretty much every individual accolade you can think of, including the coveted Heisman Trophy which he won in his first year as the starter.

With the 2023 NFL season soon approaching, Young will be asked to bring winning ways back to a franchise that finished 7-10 in 2022.

This type of pressure and attention would break most people, but during his introductory press conference with the team back in April, Young, known for his calm demeanor in big moments, again gave credit to his parents for a trait that helps him both on and off the field, especially now with all the responsibilities of being a professional athlete.

“They were always there, through the ups and the downs,” Bryce said. “That allowed me to be comfortable with trying things and not fear failing, also knowing that I didn’t need any approval. I didn’t need any validation. I knew that my parents would be there regardless. I didn’t feel like I was pressured or entitled to do anything I didn’t feel like.”

Young also got to show off his new locker to his parents, which is a moment that may bring you to tears.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Panthers have a 34.9% chance of clinching a playoff berth.