American Football
Bryce Young explains Panthers' mindset as veterans report to camp today
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The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals veterans are the first to report to camp today, bringing us one step closer to the Hall of Fame game between the two sides.
Quarterback Bryce Young will be among those walking into Bank of America Stadium, hoping to build on a career season that saw him crack the NFL Top 100 for the first time.
With the postseason firmly in his sights again, Young joined ESPN's SportsCenter to discuss his progress and mindset going into 2026.
Young's steady rise, steady mindset
Asked what lessons he's learned about being a franchise quarterback, Young stressed, "the importance of consistency."
"Making sure I'm the same person day-in and day-out in the locker room," he continued. "Walking into the building and making sure I'm who the team needs me to be."
While consistency is of the utmost importance to him, his career journey has been defined by continual growth.
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick won two games as a rookie, five in year two, and eight last season, enough for a division title that ended an eight-year playoff drought in Charlotte.
His individual numbers have also improved each year, culminating in a career-best 3,011 passing yards and 23-touchdown season in 2025.
Rather than discuss his trajectory or the team's progress, Young knows his team must focus on the here and now.
"We know that doesn't entitle us to anything," he said. "This year, everyone starts 0-0, so we have to earn the right to want to be our best, and work for our best.
"That's what training camp is all about, so we're really excited to start that process."
Why Young won't look past Week 1
Chris Graythen / Staff
The Panthers open the season on the road against the Bears, one of the most fancied teams in 2026 after finishing 11-6 last year before an overtime Divisional round exit to the Los Angeles Rams.
And with the Lions in Week 4 and the Eagles and Buccaneers waiting on the other side of their Week 5 bye, the opening half of their schedule is brutal.
Once again, Young is keeping his focus locked on the present.
"If we start looking ahead this early, that's when we're not able to be at our best," he said. "So, it's on us to stay where our feet are."
Camp will run through joint practices against the Cowboys and Saints before they lock horns with the Cardinals at Canton on Friday, August 7.
Young may not play much, if at all, in that game, but it won't be long before we know if his talk translates once the Bears show up in September.
