Panthers' Bryce Young Shares How Kobe Bryant Taught Him Importance of Giving Back

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young met with fans on Sunday in Raleigh. 

Fans waited as long as 15 hours in line for a chance to get Young's autograph and take a picture.

Young made an appearance at the New Dick's House of Sport store at Crabtree Valley Mall as part of their grand opening.

Why did Young spend his Sunday meeting with fans instead of relaxing at home during his bye week? The star told a cool Kobe Bryant story and how the NBA legend taught him the importance of giving back. 

"Yeah, I was able to go to a Kobe Bryant camp when I was younger," Young said, via WRAL. "Being out in the LA area, and was able to take a picture with him, and you know that was just so cool. I think also one of the coolest things that they kind of like allowed was like they allowed all the campers to like watch him work out. Like you know, obviously it was like off season, but you know it's cold. Like he was still you know strict regimen and was still working out. I think it was like the like he was working out twice a day."

Young is putting up outstanding numbers for the 2-2 Panthers. The Alabama product has 1,268 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 19 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown through four games.

According to Next Gen Stats, Young has 411 pass yards under pressure, four passing touchdowns under pressure, 321 deep passing yards, seven passing touchdowns outside the numbers, 534 passing yards outside the numbers, 928 passing yards vs. zone coverage and 340 passing yards vs. man coverage.

The Panthers lost to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 and beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. 

Young is making $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. Carolina picked it up in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension, so he has to play well again this season to earn one next offseason, and so far, he's setting himself up for a substantial payday. 

Young led the Panthers to the playoffs last season, where Carolina lost to the Los Angeles Rams in a wild-card game at home. It's been impressive to watch Young's turnaround in Carolina. Remember, Young was benched for Andy Dalton in 2024. When that happened, many people thought Young's days in Carolina were over. 

One reason Young is putting up strong numbers is Tetairoa McMillan. The 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year has 26 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns in four games. 

Against the Lions, McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. 

Thanks to his Week 4 performance, McMillan is on pace to shatter last season's 70-catch, 1,014-yard mark.