HOUSTON (AP) Bryce Younger and C.J. Stroud will likely be eternally linked after the quarterbacks have been taken first and second, respectively, within the 2023 NFL draft.
However lengthy earlier than they turned NFL stars, the 2 California natives turned mates once they competed in each soccer and basketball in center college.
On Thursday, the 2 reunited when Strouds Houston Texans hosted Youngs Carolina Panthers for a joint observe forward of Saturdays preseason sport.
The quarterbacks have been all enterprise throughout drills, with each gamers making some good throws through the two-hour exercise. Afterward, they took a while to catch up and chat.
To see the place hes at proper now, Im tremendous happy with him. It means rather a lot, Younger stated. Im at all times rooting for him. Thats my man. When observe goes, Im rooting for our protection. Im hoping we make each play. Thats all that issues. However earlier than and after I attempt to not take it without any consideration, us having the ability to stay our goals and be right here. Its particular.
Stroud stated the 2 by no means particularly talked about their NFL goals collectively as youngsters however stated competing in opposition to Younger at such a younger age made him a greater participant.
After we deal with just like the NFL or the NBA, its arduous to do as a result of (at that age) theres so many individuals attempting for that, Stroud stated. However like me and him, I really feel like our course of was simply getting higher, getting higher, getting higher, getting higher. So, I believe that was our mindset and its cool to be in these moments.
The Panthers have been criticized in 2023 for choosing Younger, who struggled as a rookie because the workforce went 2-15. In the meantime, Stroud led Houston to the postseason after a three-year absence and was named AP Offensive Rookie of the 12 months.
Neither participant likes speaking in regards to the what-ifs in relation to that draft, and Younger insisted Thursday that hes pleased with how issues turned out.
Im precisely the place Im presupposed to be, he stated. Im positive C.J. would say the identical factor. God doesnt make errors. Every part occurs for a cause. So, Im tremendous grateful to be a Panther.
As their NFL careers have blossomed, Stroud and Younger have remained shut. Younger was requested to explain one of the best factor about Stroud as a good friend.
Ive seen him have ups and downs, Younger stated. Ive seen him have a lot success at this degree (and) all through all that hes been the very same individual … and I do know lots of people on this workforce and everybody tells me how nice of a pacesetter he’s, how a lot he means for this workforce, offense, the complete workforce, total unit, the individual he’s. So, I believe simply his means to be that very same individual, no matter what his circumstances are is without doubt one of the issues that I love most.
Stroud additionally praised Youngs consistency as a good friend and lauded him for the advance he confirmed final season.
Hes a heck of a participant, probably the greatest gamers Ive ever seen in my life, Stroud stated. And I simply suppose he wants some assist round him too. However Im simply actually happy with that man, simply the identical manner he stated about me, for each up and down, each valley and peak hes stayed the identical man, stayed loyal and stayed a good friend and brother, so very appreciative.
Whereas Stroud has had way more success to date after taking Houston to the playoffs in every of his two seasons, he stays irked that one in all Carolinas two wins in 2023 got here in opposition to the Texans and hopes to have a rematch with Younger sooner or later.
He beat me my rookie yr, nonetheless dont like that, Stroud stated. After we cross these strains, have been aggressive, we need to do effectively and see our groups win. So hopefully we get to match up subsequent yr or perhaps within the Tremendous Bowl or one thing. I dont know. However dont put that on ESPN, I understand how yall do.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Leave a Reply