HOUSTON (AP) — Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will be forever linked after the quarterbacks were taken first and second, respectively, in the 2023 NFL draft.

But long before they became NFL stars, the two California natives became friends when they competed in both football and basketball in middle school.

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Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud were reunited at a Panthers-Texans practice Thursday in Houston

The quarterbacks have known each other since they competed in football and basketball in middle school in California

The two top 2023 draft picks have remained close as their NFL careers have developed

On Thursday, the two reunited when Stroud’s Houston Texans hosted Young’s Carolina Panthers for a joint practice ahead of Saturday’s preseason game.

The quarterbacks were a

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