Former Panthers Star Luke Kuechly Slams Team’s Quarterback for “Unprofessional Attitude” After Saints Loss
Charlotte, North Carolina, November 9, 2025
A day after the Carolina Panthers suffered a 7-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, controversy has erupted around quarterback Bryce Young, who was visibly frustrated and caught on camera throwing his helmet and turning away from head coach Dave Canales after being benched late in the fourth quarter.
The clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism from fans, analysts, and even former Panthers great Luke Kuechly, who publicly questioned Young’s maturity and leadership.
“I’ve seen players frustrated after bad games, that’s normal,” Kuechly said on The Herd with FOX Sports.
“But showing disrespect toward your coach and teammates is something I can’t accept. As a quarterback, you don’t just throw the ball, you lead. And last night, I didn’t see leadership from Bryce.”
💣 Social media backlash
The viral video set off a wave of backlash online. One major Panthers fan account posted:
“No more excuses. If you want to be the face of the franchise, act like one.”
Others compared the moment to Cam Newton’s infamous Super Bowl 50 sideline reaction, though they pointed out that Newton never lost the respect of his teammates.
A popular Reddit comment with over 8,000 upvotes summed it up:
“Bryce didn’t lose because of talent. He lost because of attitude. When things get tough, he falls apart, and that’s what hurts the most.”
📉 A performance that fueled the criticism
Young’s numbers tell the story. Against the Saints, he completed 59% of his passes for 164 yards, with 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 62.3 passer rating, one of his worst games this season.
According to Cat Crave, “Young never found his rhythm, and everything unraveled early. The Saints dictated the tempo, shut down the run, and threw off his timing.”
The frustration boiled over when Canales decided to replace Young with Andy Dalton for the final drive. Cameras showed Young throwing his helmet, refusing to shake hands, and sitting apart from his teammates, a scene that many fans called “embarrassing.”
🗣️ Luke Kuechly: “Carolina needs a leader, not an ego”
Kuechly didn’t hold back his opinion.
“Bryce Young has incredible talent, no one doubts that. But talent isn’t enough. Carolina needs a leader, not an ego. When you wear this jersey, you carry the spirit of Keep Pounding.”
“I’ve seen great players fall down, but they take responsibility and come back stronger. I hope Bryce learns from this moment, because the city still believes in him, for now.”
🐾 Inside the locker room
Team sources confirmed that Dave Canales held a private conversation with Young shortly after the game.
“Emotions after a loss are normal,” Canales said. “We talked about it. He understands that every reaction on the sideline reflects the entire team.”
Despite the drama, the Panthers (6-4) remain in playoff contention. But the situation has raised questions about locker room chemistry and Young’s ability to handle leadership pressure.
💬 Fans react: “Losing is forgivable, quitting isn’t”
Across Panthers Nation, fans have demanded accountability.
“We can forgive mistakes, but not attitude,” one supporter wrote. “If you lose the locker room, you lose the season.”
⚔️ Conclusion
From being the franchise’s golden hope to becoming the center of controversy, Bryce Young is now facing the toughest challenge of his young career.
As Luke Kuechly said best, Carolina doesn’t need excuses.
It needs heart. It needs leadership.
It needs someone who can truly Keep Pounding.
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