Panthers’ Derrick Brown: Critics ‘Don’t Want to Admit’ Bryce Young Is Emerging

The former first overall pick went from being benched in 2024 to leading the Panthers to the playoffs in 2025.

Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Jan. 10, 2026. David Jensen/Getty Images

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown said quarterback Bryce Young is silencing critics.

The former first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft struggled in his first two seasons. But he, and the Panthers as a team, surged onto the scene with a near-upset of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 playoffs. Brown told former NFL defensive end Chris Long on his podcast, “Green Light with Chris Long,” that he respects Bryce for paying his critics no mind and working hard through the adversity he’s faced in his career.