The No. 1 has his No. 9.
As announced by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday morning, quarterback Bryce Young will be wearing the No. 9 uniform—which he donned during his time at the University of Alabama. The digit was previously taken by fellow passer Matt Corral, who now also gets back to his college look with the No. 2.
Ironically enough, that switch for Young—like the trade for the 2023 NFL draft’s first overall selection—was made possible by the departure of star wide receiver DJ Moore. With Moore out, the No. 2 became open—giving Corral a chance to go back to his Ole Miss roots and leaving No. 9 for his new teammate.
Young, of course, was drafted to kick things off on Thursday night. He is the second top overall pick by the organization and the first since Carolina took Auburn University quarterback (and eventual franchise passing leader) Cam Newton No. 1 in 2011.
