The rookie shows support for his quarterback.
Panthers Rookie Makes Bryce Young Comment After Shedeur Sanders’ Debut originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Shedeur Sanders was the talk of the football world Friday night after dazzling in his NFL preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns.
The rookie quarterback got the nod to start against the Carolina Panthers and made the most out of his opportunity to show what he can do on the field, as the former Colorado Buffaloes star signal-caller threw for a total of 138 passing yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions on 14-of-23 pass completions to help the Browns pull off a 30-10 victory.
So good was Sanders' performance that he earned props from opposing wide receiver and fellow NFL rookie Tetairoa McMillan of the Panthers. However, McMillan made it clear where his quarterback allegiance lies.
“Shedeur (Sanders) went out there and killed it," McMillan told reporters following the game (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic). "But obviously I’m gonna take my quarterback any day of the week. Shout out 9.”
Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan show chemistry in loss to Browns
Young had his moments as well in the contest. The game's first touchdown came off his five-yard toss to wide receiver Jalen Coker in the opening period. That was before Sanders engineered two touchdown-scoring drives in the second period.
Young and McMillan also showed promising chemistry between the two first-round Carolina picks, as they teamed up for a big gain in the first quarter. All told, Young had 58 passing yards and a touchdown with zero picks on 4-of-6 completions, while McMillan paced Carolina with 43 receiving yards on two receptions and five targets.
The Panthers are hoping that McMillan, taken eighth overall in the 2025 NFL draft, will be a big help for Young in the team's passing attack. Young has yet to put together a season that justifies Carolina's decision to take him first overall in the 2023 NFL draft, but he made noticeable progress following a mid-campaign benching in 2024. In his final six starts last season, Young gathered 1,320 passing yards and 10 touchdowns against three interceptions.
Looking ahead, Young and the Panthers will continue practicing for the 2025 NFL regular season, with an upcoming date with the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston scheduled for Week 2 of the preseason.
Related: AFC Executive’s ‘Shocked’ Reaction to Shedeur Sanders’ Browns Debut
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
