Bryce Young, the celebrated quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his parents, Craig and Julie Young.
Young, born on July 25, 2001, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, became widely recognized during his time at Mater Dei High School, where he threw for 13,520 yards and 152 touchdowns.
He also earned prestigious honors, such as Los Angeles Times Player of the Year and USA Today High School Offensive Player of the Year.
In college, Young shined as the quarterback for the University of Alabama, setting a school record with 559 passing yards in a single game and leading the team to an SEC Championship in 2021.
That same year, he made history by becoming the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy, along with awards like AP Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award.
In his junior year, he continued to impress, leading Alabama to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl victory before declaring for the NFL draft.
Bryce’s professional career started strong when he was picked first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft.
He signed a rookie contract worth $37.9 million, making his debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Young achieved his first NFL victory in Week 8, defeating fellow rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
Although his rookie season had its challenges, Young showed determination and improvement, highlighted by a 312-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers.
In 2024, Young faced setbacks early on, being benched after two games in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton due to tough losses.
When he returned as a starter in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, he bounced back, throwing two touchdowns and showing better decision-making and leadership.
He followed this with back-to-back wins against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, showcasing his ability to adapt and lead the Panthers’ offense effectively.
Bruce Young’s Parents Have Been Supportive of His NFL Dream Since High School
Bryce Young’s parents, Craig and Julie Young, played a pivotal role in his journey from an aspiring athlete to a professional NFL quarterback.
From an early age, Craig and Julie recognized Bryce’s passion and talent for football.
They made significant sacrifices to nurture his potential, including relocating from Philadelphia to Pasadena, California, to ensure he had access to better opportunities in both academics and sports.
This move enabled Bryce to attend Mater Dei High School, a school renowned for its elite football program, which played a crucial role in shaping his skills.
Craig, drawing from his own experiences, ensured Bryce received proper coaching to reach his full potential.
Julie, a former star soccer player who traveled to Australia with an under-16 national team and played in college at Cal Poly Pomona, instilled humility and dedication in Bryce.
Interestingly, Bryce didn’t know about his mother’s impressive athletic achievements until much later.
In September 2023, he shared:
I didn’t know this about her for almost my entire childhood. It took for someone else to tell me just how good she was … Then when I asked her, she was like, ‘Oh, I tried my best. I had fun.’ But in reality, she was one of the best players in the country.
Via People
Bryce has often spoken about his parent’s influence on his character, sharing:
They are some of the most humble and empathetic people I have ever been around. That’s something that was always in my upbringing and was always a point of emphasis. I think my parents did a great job leading by example.
Via People
The Youngs maintained a close-knit family environment, attending all of Bryce’s practices and games.
Julie once shared:
We would do everything together. Even when we go to practices, I would go. I remember I had a friend ask me, like, ‘Why don’t you just drop him off and leave?’ And I was like, ‘No, I’ll stay. We all have to be together.’
Via People
Their support was evident during Bryce’s college years at the University of Alabama.
To ease his transition and provide a familial support system, his parents purchased a home roughly an hour away from the university.
This enabled them to have regular dinners together, offering Bryce a sense of normalcy and emotional support during a pivotal time in his life.
Not only this, they actively participated in Bryce’s recruiting process, helping him navigate the critical decisions of his career.
Even as Bryce celebrated his 22nd birthday during the Carolina Panthers training camp, his parents were by his side, continuing their unwavering support.
During Bryce’s 2021 Heisman Trophy-winning speech, he expressed his gratitude:
My mom, for always having my back, for always supporting me. It’s not always easy. I’m always running around. Not all the time do you understand, but you always had my back, you always supported me and for that, I’m forever grateful. I’d like to thank the rest of my family also, everyone out there who supported me. I’m super grateful.
Via Sportskeeda
Bryce also talks about the unconditional love his parents have given him.
In a November 2022 interview, he said:
My parents have always made it so that I know that they’ll love me regardless. I don’t have to be someone; I don’t have to achieve something to get their love or to get their compassion. I trust them, and I know that I can come to them with anything.
Via People
Today, Bryce shares a particularly close bond with his father, Craig, calling him his “best friend.” He reflected:
He’s always been there for me and not just as a father but as a friend, as a supporter, as a fan, someone who pushes me to be better. I’m just blessed and lucky to have a father like that in my life.
Via People
Through their sacrifices, hands-on involvement, and encouragement, Craig and Julie Young have played an indispensable role in Bryce’s journey, both on and off the field.
Bryce Young’s Parents Have Been Together for Nearly 30 Years
Craig Young, a licensed therapist with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, has played a key role in shaping his son Bryce’s life and mindset.
With a strong educational foundation, he holds a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College.
He is deeply committed to his profession, offering counseling, consulting, and coaching services, and is a frequent speaker at events on leadership and personal growth.
He now runs a company named Young Consulting Group LLC.
Craig’s background in mental health has had a profound impact on Bryce’s upbringing.
He emphasized the importance of creating a nurturing environment, saying:
We provided a safe place for him to express his feelings or sometimes not to express his feelings … that whatever he’s feeling was okay and that we were there to help him problem solve and that through that problem-solving journey he was always loved and we were there for him.
Via People
Julie Young, on the other hand, spent 25 years as a dedicated special education teacher, going above and beyond to ensure her students’ success.
Her passion for helping others extended to her role as a mother, where she devoted herself to Bryce’s growth and happiness.
She remained actively involved in his activities, from his early days in sports to his rise as a football star, offering unwavering support every step of the way.
The couple’s nearly three-decade-long marriage has been a pillar of support and unity within their family.
Married on July 29, 1995, Craig and Julie’s bond has created a stable, loving home for Bryce.
On their 29th wedding anniversary, Craig shared:
“Do you know what today is? It’s our anniversary!” I can’t believe that it was 29 years ago on a scorching hot day in Pasadena, we both decided to spend the rest of our lives together.
Via Instagram
So much has happened in those 29 years! Ups, downs, laughs, tears , tragedy and triumphs. Life…but what a life. God has blessed us tremendously! However, no better blessing than you. I realize that now more than ever. Happy anniversary to my sweet, compassionate, sensitive, patient and beautiful wife!
Together, Craig and Julie have not only supported Bryce’s football journey but have also instilled in him the importance of character, hard work, and gratitude.
Their dedication has been instrumental in shaping Bryce’s path to NFL stardom, underscoring the significant role they continue to play in his life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bryce Young and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud have been friends since their time attending rival high schools in Southern California.
- His Instagram account (@bryceyoung) has more than 450K followers.
