‘Surreal’: Carolina Panthers, fans welcome Bryce Young to the Queen City

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers and its fans welcomed No. 1 pick Bryce Young on Friday for his introductory press conference.

The Panthers selected Young in Thursday night’s NFL Draft after trading up to acquire the top pick in the draft with the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina’s No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks.

Bryce Young Presser

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The team rolled out the blue carpet for him outside of Bank of America Stadium Friday.

After that, Young held his first news conference and said he is ready to get to work.

Keep the party going 👀https://t.co/XbQmjzqt8U
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 28, 2023

“It’s surreal being here and being welcomed by the fans,” Young said. “Again, it shows just how strong the fan base is and you know, feeling that support coming in and being new here. It means a lot to me and my family.”

Young said he will never forget the moment his phone rang on Thursday night before the No. 1 pick was announced.

“Honestly, it was just getting that phone call and being able to share that moment with my parents and my family,” he said. “That’s something you dream of and it feels so right.”

Young talked about earning respect from the fans and the team.

“First and foremost, I want to come in and try and earn the respect from the people around me,” he said. “I am super excited to have that opportunity to come here every day and try to earn the respect of my peers.”

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