Last year, No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young seemed to be headed down a path of destruction.
Just a few games into his second season, Young was benched in favor of journeyman Andy Dalton. That benching might have saved Young's career as the second-year player has performed like the No. 1 pick since being reinserted into the starting role.
Not only has Young proved he can hang in the NFL, but he also earned a nickname from Panther fans: 'Carolina Reaper.'
"Like the pepper?" Young asked when he initially heard the nickname.
After having the nickname's meaning properly figured out, Young couldn't help but crack a smile.
"That's my first time hearing it, and I definitely can't control nicknames," Young said. "I don't know (how I feel about it). Reaper's a little evil, so I don't know. I try not to be evil."
Young may not love his new nickname, but it's beginning to suit him as his midseason turnaround has led to the downfall of some of his opponent's franchises. Just last week, Young led Carolina to a 36-30 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals, which eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention.
In that game, Young threw for a pair of touchdowns while also running for 68 yards and another score.
Although Young's Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention, Carolina still has two games remaining in the regular season to build momentum for 2025. After last season, there were only questions about Young and his future, but now there is a vision for what the Panthers can become. And it all surrounds the reaper.
