Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf is no stranger to the pressures and criticisms that come with being a high draft pick. The San Diego Chargers took a chance on Leaf in 1998, selecting him as the No. 2 overall pick. However, after three disappointing seasons, the Chargers decided to part ways with him.
Leaf recently spoke out about the Carolina Panthers and their handling of quarterback Bryce Young, expressing his disappointment with how the organization has treated the young player. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Leaf didn’t hold back, saying, “They screwed this thing up from the get-go. I mean, this organization is horrible. This organization has done nothing to try to help and develop a player that has so much expectation on him. And so, I laid this at the feet of the organization completely.”
Leaf understands the impact that early struggles can have on a player’s confidence. He himself faced challenges in his rookie season, completing only 45.3% of his passes with two touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His poor attitude and inability to control his temper led to discord with his teammates and ultimately his release from the Chargers in 2000.
Young, on the other hand, has not shown the same anger issues as Leaf, but his performance on the field has been lackluster. In his first two games, Young has completed just 55.4% of his passes for 245 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He has been sacked six times and has a passer rating of 44.1.
Despite his struggles, Young’s poor start can be attributed to a lack of support and opportunities to succeed. Leaf expressed doubt about whether Young will be given another chance, saying, “There’s no one in that locker room that seemingly feels that way. And that is a hard place to be as a leader of men when you’re 22, 23 years old.”
In conclusion, Leaf’s own experiences have shaped his views on the challenges that come with being a highly touted quarterback in the NFL. The parallels between his career and Young’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale for young players entering the league. Whether Young will be able to overcome his early setbacks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure of expectations in the NFL can make or break a player’s career.