During a pivotal moment in the Carolina Panthers’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Bryce Young demonstrated his faith by pausing to pray for an injured opponent. The scene unfolded in the fourth quarter when Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with an injury. As the Panthers trailed 22-16 with less than ten minutes left, Young stepped away from the huddle and bowed his head in prayer.
This act reflected the instruction from 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” The gesture captured attention on social media, with one user commenting that it “says a metric ton about him.”
Young’s commitment to his faith is not new. As a high school quarterback for the Mater Dei Monarchs in California, Young led his team to a comeback victory over IMG Academy. His high school coach, Bruce Rollinson, once said, “He knows that confidence comes from his Savior. That’s what he believes. I’ve talked to him about it and his faith is very deep. He doesn’t preach it, he permeates it. He exemplifies it.”
Drafted first overall in 2023, Young’s rookie year was challenging. The Panthers finished with a 2-14 record, and Young faced heavy criticism for his performance. This season began similarly, with an 0-2 start and a benching that lasted several weeks. Despite this adversity, Young has shown resilience and faith.
Since November, Young has led the Panthers to narrow victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Even in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team remained competitive. Against the Eagles, Young’s leadership nearly resulted in an upset.
Regardless of his team’s record, Young’s actions on Sunday highlight his commitment to glorifying God. His journey, marked by struggle and resurgence, exemplifies the biblical call to remain steadfast in faith during all circumstances.
