Rodgers impressed by No. 1 pick Young: 'Carolina's in good hands'
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised Carolina Panthers rookie passer Bryce Young after the teams' joint practice Wednesday.
"I like the kid a lot," Rodgers said of Young, according to Carolina Blitz. "We share an agent, so I've known about him for a long time. I loved watching him in college. I like his demeanor, I like his movements, I like the way he throws. ... I think Carolina is in good hands."
The Panthers shared a video of the two quarterbacks chatting at practice Wednesday.
Carolina selected Young first overall in this year's draft following his impressive career at Alabama. The 22-year-old passed for 79 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in two seasons as the Crimson Tide's starter. He also won the Heisman Trophy in 2021.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, joined the Jets this offseason as part of a trade from the Green Bay Packers. The 39-year-old led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title and earned 10 Pro Bowl nods while making 223 regular-season starts with the franchise from 2005-22.
He also offered Young some career advice.
"Be gentle with yourself, it's a long journey," Rodgers said, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press. "It feels like every little snap and practice is the end of the world if it doesn't go right; it's not true. It's a long journey. It's about holding on to your confidence and enjoying the ride, enjoying the little things every day. But I think he's got a great head on his shoulders and he'll be just fine."
Young said he has a lot of respect for Rodgers.
"When you talk about someone like Aaron Rodgers, who's had so much success for so long, any advice that he gives me, I'll definitely be receptive to it," Young said Wednesday, per ESPN's David Newton.
The Panthers and Jets have struggled at quarterback in recent years, with each team starting three different QBs in 2022. Carolina hasn't made the playoffs since 2017, while New York's last postseason appearance dates back to the 2010 campaign, the longest drought in the league.