The “Bryce Age” is officially underway for the Carolina Panthers.
Bryce Young, the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, tossed his first career touchdown pass to tight end Hayden Hurst on Sunday in Atlanta.
Hurst, however, seemed to forget that his rookie QB might want to hang onto his milestone ball, hurling it into the stands in celebration.
Hurst’s lapse in concentration was noticed by many, who took to social media to share their reactions.
Hurst isn’t the only athlete who has tossed a milestone ball to the fans.
In August, New York Mets star Pete Alonso threw the ball St. Louis Cardinals Masyn Winn recorded his first major league hit with. In 2021, Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans caught Tom Brady’s 600th career touchdown pass before handing it to a Buccaneers fan behind the end zone.
The touchdown play itself was simple, a short four-yard completion, but capped off a good looking drive for Young. In total he completed six of his seven passes for 51 yards as he marched Carolina right down the field, connecting with five different receivers on the way.
The efficiency and accuracy on the 75-yard drive is an encouraging sign for Panthers fans after a slow start to the game. On their three drives before scoring the touchdown, they were scoreless with a turnover on downs, an interception and a three-and-out.
Per ESPN’s David Newton, Young is the third quarterback in franchise history to throw for a touchdown in his debut, joining Cam Newton in 2011 and Chris Weinke in 2001.
The Panthers should be able to track the historic ball down fairly easily, and some game tickets or signed memorabilia should be enough to coax it out of one lucky fans possession.