Panthers quarterback Bryce Young met with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady last month, and one of the things the legend taught him was that being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft doesn't entitle him to anything.
Young has been tipped for greatness and the Panthers are optimistic about his potential, but Brady is helping him to keep his feet on the ground.
"I have never thrown an NFL pass in a game," Young said after an offseason workout.
"I have no stats, no wins, nothing. We're all on an even playing field.
"Once you get into the league, where you get drafted, that doesn't entitle me to anything."
Young took Alabama to the national championship game, but said Brady told him that he needs to work hard and earn everything he gets in the NFL.
"He said that I have to earn everything," Young recalled.
"I have to work my way up and prove myself every day."
Taking advice on board
Young said he is taking Brady's advice to heart following a meteoric rise to fame, which can distract some young stars.
"I have to work, I have to work as hard as I can to make sure every day I'm trying to get better, every day I'm improving," he continued.
Young is the first quarterback to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Panthers and is expected to be the team's starter in 2023.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner said he is excited to get started and that he is ready to work hard.
"I'm ready to go, I'm ready to get to work and I'm ready to help this team win," the 21-year-old said.