Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who was drafted #1 overall out of Alabama in this year’s NFL Draft, shared that he worked as a DoorDash delivery driver during his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.
Young, who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2021, disclosed: “Honestly, I would only have a mask on and a hoodie, and I would only accept drop-it-at-my-door orders. For the most part, I never got recognized. It was before NIL. I just wanted to have a little extra money.”
The NCAA’s new NIL rules, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, allowed college players to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness throughout their college careers.
Bryce Young was a DoorDash driver his first year in college before NIL
He says he'd wear a mask and hoodie and only accept 'drop it at my door' orders so people wouldn't recognize him 😅
(via @Panthers) pic.twitter.com/cutB0z4FUc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 1, 2023
Needless to say, Young was able to ditch the delivery gig as he became one of the major beneficiaries of the rule changes, securing lucrative endorsement deals with companies such as Subway, Dr. Pepper, and Nissan, reportedly earning a whopping $3.5 million.
With his financial situation transformed, Young will no longer need to pick up a side hustle again. He signed a massive $37.95 million rookie contract with a staggering $24.6 million signing bonus to play for the Panthers.
The 22-year-old rising star appears to be ready to handle the starting role for the Panthers, as they look to him to elevate their team similarly to how former #1 pick Trevor Lawrence lifted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the past year.
Last season, the Panthers struggled with a 7-10 record and even dismissed their head coach, Matt Rhule, in the middle of the season. However, with Young’s remarkable talent and potential, the team has high hopes for the future.
During his time at Alabama, Young served as the starting quarterback for two years under the legendary Nick Saban. He showcased his outstanding skills by winning the Heisman Trophy and setting a record with 4,872 passing yards and an impressive 47 touchdown passes in 2021.
Regarding Young’s progress, Panthers (new) Head Coach Frank Reich expressed his satisfaction, previously stating: “He’s showing everything you want to see. So, we’ll just keep giving him, and our team, the opportunity to get better and to earn that starting role. So far, he and a lot of guys have taken the step needed to earn that spot.”
Juding by his work-ethic, it certainly seems that Young comes from a great family and was raised the right way.
How do you think he’s going to play this season?
Do you think he will live up to his #1 pick tag and all the expectations that come with it?