Crimson Tide All-Americans together again: ‘It just brought back so many memories’

Published On: August 15, 2025

The defensive end for the Houston TexansAt Alabama, Will Anderson Jr. and Bryce Young, the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, played together for three seasons. Anderson is the only two-time unanimous All-American for the Crimson Tide, and Young was the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.

Young and Anderson were pleased to be back on the same field on Thursday.

The Panthers and Texans practiced together Thursday in preparation for their NFL preseason matchup at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Saturday.

“Man,” Anderson remarked of the reunion, “I was just telling Bryce how much I miss playing with him.” And simply miss his face every single day, dude. It simply evoked a lot of memories. Man, we were in the thick of things together in Alabama, me on defense and him on offense. Therefore, it was a pleasure to catch up with him.

Man, I’m really proud of him. Man, I have no doubt that he will accomplish big things this year. He’s really dominating it over there, and they look great, so I’m glad for him.

Young also played at Alabama alongside linebackers Christian Harris and Henry To oTo o, as well as Houston wide receiver John Metchie III.

RELATED: TEXANS AND JOHN METCHIE III ARE IN TOUGH COMPETITION

After practice, Young commented, “It’s awesome.” many men with whom I have a close relationship. The fact that my brothers and I are able to pursue our aspirations together is very amazing. We are both here only to compete when the plays are being performed. The Panthers are my team. They’re from Texas. At that moment, that is all that mattered. However, it’s wonderful to see after. Once more, there are many people with whom I am close, and I am delighted to see them succeeding. They have the same opinion of me. Thus, it is unquestionably a blessing.

Young was selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Anderson came two picks later.

The Texans have won 10 games and a postseason game every season since the pass-rusher joined the team, and Anderson was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Young was benched for five games during his second season as Carolina’s top quarterback, but he regained his spot with a better second half of the 2024 campaign.

Anderson remarked, “He’s still the same guy, man.” He can move about the pocket, get out of it, and make deep throws down the field while he’s doing it. He’s very cool and has excellent composure. He’s the complete package, man. He is a No. 1 overall pick because, oh, he has it all. He is quite talented, and it’s enjoyable to see him perform. I’m pleased for him.

Anderson might not have approved of Young’s actions on Thursday.

After the practice against the Panthers, Anderson stated, “We have to get better.” We accomplished a few positive things. Man, you need to be a little more disciplined. As I mentioned before, this is a great opportunity to assess our defensive posture against a new opponent.

In camp, you get days like these. You receive this. This is what prepares you for the upcoming season. Man, these are the kinds of days you need to endure if you want to be great and have excellent defense. These kinds of days are inevitable when it’s hot outside, you’re grinding, you’re playing back-to-back, and so on. That’s what prepares you for the season, so I’m very happy we had the opportunity to do this today.

Young and Anderson have faced each other throughout the regular season. In Young’s first NFL quarterback victory, the Panthers defeated the Texans 15–13 on October 29, 2023.