A Young Man Leaves California For Alabama
During the 2019 football season, Mater Dei’s Bryce Young was listed as the nation’s top ranked high school quarterback. On September 22nd he committed to play his college football for head coach Nick Saban and the University of Alabama.
This evening, two years later, Young has now been awarded the top individual honor in college football as he was named the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.
During tonight’s ESPN broadcast of the event, several of those close to Young spoke to what an amazing leader this young man is.
The following are some of their comments:
- “I’ve always sought out the best competition, tried to work the hardest.” – Young on why he went to Alabama
- “He puts God first and he has this amazing ability to compartmentalize things. One of the things he says often is, ‘I only focus on the things I can control.’ That has served him well.” – Bryce’s dad Craig
- “He doesn’t get distracted by the outside noise. He’s intrinsically motivated… In doing that glorifying God. I couldn’t be prouder.” – Craig Young
- “Bryce is the calm in the midst of chaos. It comes from his great preparation.” – Coach Saban
- “When he goes into the game he kind of trusts that things are going to work for him because of the work that he’s put in, the preparation that he’s made, and the confidence he has in the people around him.” – Coach Saban
- “It’s easy when you’re really good… It’s about belief in yourself. It’s about belief in your preparation and your abilities and not allowing people to write your story and dictate your life to you. (It’s about) taking control of your destiny and being the best person you can be. And he personifies that.” – Craig on Bryce believing in himself despite all the doubters.
Quick observation – after hearing Bryce’s mother and father speak, it is no wonder he has turned out to be the type of young leader he is.
The Heisman Trophy Acceptance Speech
It was then Young gave his acceptance speech. The following are 6 additional Leadership Quotes And Lessons From Bryce Young’s 2021 Heisman Trophy Winning Speech:
- “First and foremost I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him I wouldn’t be here and through Him all things are possible.”
- “It’s an individual award but a team award.”
- “I wasn’t someone who’s been labeled ‘The Prototype’, being an African-American quarterback and being ‘under-sized’. I’ve always been ruled out. People have always told me I’m not going to make it.”
- “For me, it’s not always been about proving them wrong but proving to myself what I can accomplish.”
- “I pushed myself to work the hardest.”
- “I tried my best to do all I can do to maximize what I’m doing.”
Young also gave a number of Thank You’s to all who helped him along the way.
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