When Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion stepped to the podium at the NFL combine, he chose to confront his lifelong speech impediment head-on, a decision that unfortunately drew out the worst from social media. And this happened despite testing really well in all the drills. It has gotten so out of hand that Charles Barkley, who does not use social media, has come to the youngster’s defense.

“Y’all reached a new low for me, and it hurt me,” Barkley said on The Steam Room podcast. “Now, I’m getting emotional because I was so pissed when I heard about it. So, this kid has a stuttering problem and a speech impediment… I saw some of my friends who know why I hate social media sent me some of the comments that you people were making about this kid. Man, you are the lowest people.”

“To see all the mean-spirited comments, I’m like, yo, who sits at home behind a computer, say, ‘Hey, you know what? Let me make fun of this kid.'” Barkley continued. “It just broke my heart. And I wish this kid I hope he makes it.”

For the longest time, Barkley never used social media due to excessive trolling. He only joined Instagram in 2024 to explore new avenues, including business opportunities. However, the negativity has broken the NBA icon’s heart. Concepcion seriously considered skipping media sessions due to his speech impediment, but he has braved them, and oh boy, he’s turned into a real role model for this modern generation.

The highly-projected first-round pick embraced the spotlight, turning a vulnerable moment into a powerful one.

“I want to be a role model for those who are not able to speak in front of large crowds,” Concepcion said. “I just wanna say something. If you have a speech impediment, there is nothing wrong with us. I have had this stutter since I can remember talking. This is a part of me. This is who I am. I cannot control this.”

Pockets of the NFL world also rallied to support Concepcion after internet trolls mocked his speech impediment at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Charles Barkley joins quite a few NFL veterans to slam the internet for mocking KC Concepcion

Lawrence Tynes, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, defended Concepcion on X.

“He’s one of the best humans you will ever meet,” Tynes commented. “Takes time for kids and all fans. He is vocal and intentional about helping others with speech impediments. The “people” mocking him can f— off and watch him shine in life.”

Concepcion, a 5-foot-11 wide receiver, played two seasons at North Carolina before moving to Texas A&M in 2025. The 21-year-old star had 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in his most recent campaign. At the combine, Concepcion displayed his speed and great hands, definitely impressing head coaches. He often draws comparisons to Jaylen Waddle, who was picked sixth overall in the 2021 NFL draft, because of their similar build and playmaking ability.

Indianapolis Colts icon Reggie Wayne recalled his interaction at the combine.

“Absolutely enjoyed my meeting with this kid over the weekend,” Wayne tweeted. “He had the most confidence of anybody in the building when we talked football.”

“KC Concepcion, got my respect!” C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bears safety, said.

All of them, including Barkley, echoed the same sentiment that KC Concepcion didn’t deserve hate for his speech impediment.