Just as the sports world is filled with great rivalries, it is also full of inspiring friendships. In the world of the NFL, Bryce Young and CJ Stroud are winning hearts with their charming camaraderie. The two rookie players, both considered the topmost quarterback prospects for the 2023 NFL draft, are childhood friends. However, the upcoming season will see the two pitted against one another. CJ Stroud was the No. 2 pick for the Houston Texans, and Bryce Young was the top pick for the Carolina Panthers.

Interestingly, the childhood buddies will be facing off against each other on October 29 during the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers match-up. Essentially, the Shaq and Kobe of the NFL, as they describe their relationship, will become friends turned opponents. As the preseason has ended and everyone is gearing up for kickoff, fans can’t help but draw comparisons between the two quarterbacks as they head toward the match of their lives.

Bryce Young v. CJ Stroud: Who will take the cake?

This will be the first time Bryce Young and CJ Stroud will be opponents since they played a game in eighth grade. Their match against each other has already prompted the NFL community to draw parallels between the two. A recent clip posted by the official Twitter account of NFL showcased Young’s performance during the preseason. The caption to the video read, “Grade @_bryce_young’s preseason”. To this, a fan in the comments section replied, “A+ better than stroud”.

While the fans might be rooting for one over the other, Bryce Young and CJ Stroud are rooting for each other. Their wholesome friendship was on display throughout the 2023 NFL draft, with both the rookie quarterbacks cheering for each other as they were picked for their respective teams. Young and Stroud highlighted their close relationship during an interview with Sports Illustrated. In the interview, Stroud said, “We play off each other like Shaq and Kobe.” After knowing each other through high school, they reunited once again for the first NFL business trip and meet and greet with millionaires and legendary quarterbacks.

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When CJ Stroud was picked by the Texans, Bryce Young was cheering was his friend at the Union Station in Kansas City. When Young was picked by the Panthers, Stroud was excited. According to a report by Texans Daily FanNation, Stroud said, “Bryce is my brother… I was super excited to see him go to Carolina. I think it’s a great fit for him. He’s going to have a great career.” The two even share the same trainer, and hang out with each other whenever they get an opportunity. While they might have been the top picks for their positions, their journey has been different than each other’s.

Same destination, different path

Bryce Young is an Alabama star, and CJ Stroud took Ohio State by storm. It seems like their careers are forever destined to be compared, given their entwined history. While they are similar, how they have reached their destination is a whole different story. Bryce Young was born in Philadelphia and was discovered by Kevin Pearson in seventh grade after he moved to Pasadena. On the other hand, CJ Stroud was born in Rancho Cucamonga and started playing football from a young age with his father.

When it came to college football, Young was approached by Texas Tech among others. However, he chose USC. Ultimately, he left USC for Alabama and achieved great heights as a college player. After going through a tough childhood, Stroud became a star performer in his senior year with 47 touchdowns and nearly 3900 yards. From there, he never looked back and became an Ohio State star. Now, both of them are all set and raring to go for their debut season. Will their friendship stand the test of on-field rivalry and enormous pressure?

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