Carolina Panthers fans packed the North Gate of Bank of America Stadium early Friday afternoon to welcome the team’s top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, to the Queen City. The event was a fitting welcome for a player who many believe will lead the team to NFC South and NFL prominence.
During his introductory press conference, Young was asked what number he plans to wear. “I’m not sure,” Bryce said. “We haven’t gotten that far. Right now, I’m still trying to be in the moment.”
And while there’s no question that Panthers Nation is overjoyed with the pick and want nothing but success for Carolina’s new QB1, there’s one thing that’s off limits – the number one.
We asked fans on Twitter if they would be ok with Young wearing the number Cam Newton donned for 9.5 season in Carolina Process Blue and they overwhelmingly said it should be off limits.
“I wouldn’t want that for him, too many expectations wearing that number. Let him forge his own path outside of Cam’s shadow. We’d always be comparing them and that’s not fair to Bryce (or Cam)” – @joanpzls
“Under no circumstances should the number 1 EVER be worn by another Carolina Panther. I’ll die on this hill. #KeepPounding” – @dylan_lighthall
“No. That number needs to be retired. First Panther to ever win MVP wore that.” – @jdgman6
“Absolutely not. Love him & happy to have him but #1 is off limits forever.” – @Jupiter_ZTV
“I love Bryce and am so happy we got him, but no. That’s Cam and that won’t change.” – @Himbiidstan
Of the over 400 responses we got to our original tweet, roughly 80% of the responses were not in favor of Bryce wearing #1.
My early impression is that Young wouldn’t want to wear number one. He respects the contributions of those who have come before him, including Cam Newton, and likely looks forward to blazing his own path, with his own number, in Carolina.