A Friendship Forged in Competition

HOUSTON -- The story of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud is one of friendship, rivalry, and mutual respect. From their early days as competitors in AAU basketball to their current status as NFL quarterbacks, their bond has remained unshaken.

Early Days: From AAU to the Gridiron

Young and Stroud first crossed paths in the greater Los Angeles area as 12- and 13-year-olds playing AAU basketball. Their competitive spirit was evident even then, with both eager to prove who was the better player.

"If you want to see them compete, that's where they really got after it," said Craig Young, Bryce's father. "I just remember them always arguing who was the better player."

The First Football Showdown

Their first football matchup came in 2015, when Young's Inland Empire Ducks faced Stroud's Pomona Valley Steelers. The game was highly anticipated, with both teams considered the best in their respective leagues.

Young was dominant, throwing three touchdown passes, including two deep shots, leading the Ducks to a 22-0 victory. Stroud struggled, throwing two interceptions, but the game did little to dampen their friendship.

From Rivals to Teammates

Despite their on-field rivalry, Young and Stroud have always supported each other. Their families have grown close, with the moms still talking almost weekly.

"We'll always be connected, but we're not trying to one-up each other," Young told ESPN. "We both support each other. We're always going to be looking out for each other, checking on each other, whether it's on 'SportsCenter,' watching each other's games."

NFL Careers: Ups and Downs

Young's rookie season with the Panthers was challenging, but Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Texans, was there to offer support.

"I've seen the dog in [Young] that he has, and a lot of people haven't seen," Stroud said. "I know he dealt with some frustrations. ... It's good that we go through these ups and to refocus and tackle what's important."

Looking Ahead

As they prepare to face each other in the preseason and again in the 2027 regular season, the bond between Young and Stroud remains strong. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship and healthy competition in the world of professional sports.

"It's dope to see these kids kind of live out their dreams and stuff," said Keefe Pierson, president of Young's youth team. "They're always going to be linked. It's always going to be a debate over which is better. It's a healthy competition. There is nothing wrong with healthy competition."

In 15 years, we may still be debating who is the better quarterback, but one thing is certain: their bond will never waver.