Panthers quarterback Bryce Young joined forces with Bojangles to surprise students at Ranson Middle School and West Charlotte High School. With a clear and strong message to all.
Two Charlotte-area schools, Ranson Middle School and West Charlotte High School, got a visitor on Monday afternoon, making for a sweet surprise. With the help from Bojangles, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young paid visits to speak with students and hand out the new Bo-Berry Cookies. The campaign through the Smart Cookie Campaign returned for its second year, rewarding students who have been exemplary both in the classroom and on the football field.
Being able to be here and plant roots here and do more outside of Bank of America Stadium, interact with more people, it’s been great,” said Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. “I’m just grateful to be a part of this community. Any time I have the chance to interact it’s a fun time for me. Hopefully I can have a positive impact in whatever way possible.”
The first visit of the day was for a group of very excited middle school students. The Ranson students asked the quarterback thoughtful questions about his journey to the NFL, his personal motivators and dug into the mindset of a professional athlete. Young was not only impressed by the questions he was asked, but also was able to reflect on his own journey through their answers.
“These kids are super smart. I think that everyone is developing and growing but being around all ages but especially this age, having a different perspective, you forget how smart kids can be,” said Young.
Young spoke to the students about the importance of education, sharing how both his mother and his grandmother were teachers. He also said how his dad’s work in psychology also influenced him in his studies at Alabama, graduating with the same degree and taking a continued interest in psychology, mental health and applying it now as a leader in the NFL.
The next stop for Bryce and Bojangles was to the West Charlotte football team as they’re coming off a state championship title. The football and flag football players had the chance to catch some passes thrown by Young.
West Charlotte football coach Sam Greiner shared how Bryce is a fantastic example for his student athletes.
“It’s cool to see someone who is a great player for us, our quarterback is 5’10”. State MVP. You see Bryce come in who’s been there done that, played at Alabama, he’s playing in the NFL, he’s starting for the Panthers. He’s coming in and they’re standing eye-to-eye. You’re saying there is hope at the end of the tunnel,” said Greiner.
Everyone has different timing, everyone has a different path,” said Young. “Sometimes when you start looking around and comparing it can be discouraging. There’s so many different ways and paths to make it. Just encouraging people to chase their dreams.”
