Everything Bryce Young Said During His Draft Night Press Conference
On David Tepper wanting to go to the Super Bowl and his thoughts on potentially winning one in Carolina
"For me, I just want to take things day by day. I'm super grateful to have that vote of confidence from Mr. (David) Tepper. That means the world. But for me, again, I want to take things day by day. Once we get there, and I sit down. Once I know what the team goals are. I want to take it day by day and do everything I can to help us accomplish those team goals."
If he ever thought he wouldn’t be the number one overall pick and if he thought his size would impact his standing
"I think throughout the entire time, I never knew where I was going. I never tried to measure anything up or tried to figure it out. I know how draft days are. I know anything was possible. I knew coming in the entire time nothing was promised. I didn't really try to keep up with all the things that were going on. I try to focus on controlling what I can control and put my energy into that. Because of that, either way, just being here, wherever it would have been, I'm super grateful that it was here. This is definitely a huge blessing for me to be able to be a part of Carolina and be able to be part of this organization. I think that’s what's most important, which I’m really grateful for it. I never really had expectations, but for things to turn out how they did, I’m super thankful for God for it."
What it was like getting to know Frank Reich, Scott Fitterer, and David Tepper
"Honestly, for me, I was super, super grateful to be in those dinners and to be able to take part of that visit. (It) just was beautiful, because I learned a lot. I was able to hear about their philosophy and hear about their system, about their approach. What they expect from the quarterback position. Things they like, and don't like. For me, I was able to take a lot, even from our short time together. I just tried to be myself. I'm trying to effectively communicate things that happened. How I think, my thoughts and feelings on things. I was super grateful for being able to show that and (hear them) tell me what they expected from me and from the position, what they wanted. I learned a lot. I'm super excited to obviously to have a lot more time now than just one meeting. I’m super excited for what I'm going to be able to learn and the growth that I’m going to be able to have with this coaching staff and this front office staff."
David Tepper telling him at the Super Bowl that the Panthers are going to get a quarterback and his response about his “weekly planning process” at the dinner after his pro day
"I will say the weekly planning process was a little bit long-winded of an answer. I'll save everyone from having to sit through that. Just hearing Mr. (David) Tepper, honestly throughout this whole process. I was able to sit down with the front office, with everyone involved. It was very clear that they illustrated that they had a plan for a while, for years in place just to try to build the team. To be able to hear all the wisdom and all the stuff that went into it. Kind of to get that there was such a plan that has been in place for years. I think it really shows, again, the forward-thinking and how calculated everyone is there. Just for everyone to be involved, everyone to be bought in. I think it shows just how much it means for everyone, means to the organization. I'm super happy to be part of an organization that feels that way."
The compensation the Panthers traded to get the number-one pick
"I'm super thankful. It’s something that I don't take lightly and don't take for granted. To believe in me is something I'm going to forever be grateful for with this opportunity. I'm excited, I'm focused. I want to do everything that I can to take advantage of that opportunity and help contribute to the franchise."
How much of a role Nicole Tepper and Kristi Coleman played throughout the process
"I think to be able to have them involved just shows the buy-in from everyone in the organization at the very top from the owner all the way down. When they’re that involved and that invested, I think it permeates throughout the building and it shows the buy-in. Having everyone being all hands on deck for this entire draft process that really means a lot to me."
The importance of the Panthers evaluating him as a person
"Honestly, that was something I really liked a lot was how interested they were in me as a person. I think that shows a lot of how they approach things. For me, to have a coaching staff and front office that, of course, it’s watching film and wants to know the X’s and O’s and he’s smart and intelligent and all that stuff too, but also cares about him being a good person and a good fit for the culture. Then them putting thought into that. That was something that was really, really important for me. It was great for me to go through that process because it showed me that it was something that they valued. I just really tried to be honest, express myself, put my best foot forward. Be honest about the experiences I’ve had and how I view things. Share my philosophies about whatever it may be on and off the field. I was grateful to be so accepted."
How he handles pressure and his response to David Tepper’s Super Bowls comment
"I definitely think I’m patient whenever there’s a pressure situation. I look at that as an opportunity. It’s fun to be in those situations. That’s what we all dream of and the moments that we’re all excited to be a part of. Whatever the expectations may be, I want to take things day by day. I’m super excited and super blessed for this opportunity and for the organization to take a chance on me. For me, I’m going to take this day by day. I want to make sure that I sit down and learn the goals of the team. Talk with all the staff and everyone who has a hand in what I’m going to be doing leading up to the season and beyond. Make sure that I trust in them and do everything I can to help them to accomplish those goals."
When he knew for sure when he was going to be the Number 1 overall pick
"Really, I knew when I saw that Charlotte area code on my phone after the commissioner had announced that the Panthers were on the clock. I always knew that God would guide me to the right place and wherever I ended up was where I was supposed to be. I didn’t know where it was going to be. I didn’t have any confirmation. I didn’t honestly look too deep into it. I’m super grateful that things played out the way that they did."
How he handles the questions about his size
"I feel like everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I think it’s the beauty of sports, everyone’s going to have opinions and everyone gets to talk about things. I think it’s fair. But for me, I focus on controlling what I can control and putting my energy on what I can do. I know myself, I’m confident in myself. I’m going to put all my energy moving forward into proving myself so that I can help the team and doing everything I can to be the best Carolina Panther I can be."
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