What’s Been Going on with Former MVP Cam Newton by Benjamin Schoonmaker
Cam Newton used to be a very popular NFL star playing for the Carolina Panthers. As a very skilled quarterback with the specialty of rushing the football, he placed himself in multiple top 3 records in the NFL. He was the league’s first quarterback to throw 400 yards in his first game, the first to throw 4,000 yards in his rookie year, and the most rushing touchdowns in a single season. He holds the 2nd most rushing QB yards and is #1 for most rushing touchdowns of all time as well. A random non-NFL achievement is being the player responsible for making the dance move the “Dab” as much of a trend as it was by “dabbing” as a touchdown celebration.
Newton had a vulnerability to injury since his youth, and his time in the NFL was no exception. After his MVP season in 2015, he struggled to get his team more than even one playoff appearance. Things continued to go downhill from there, being transferred to the patriots in 2020, re-signing with the Panthers in 2021, and was released halfway through that season.
With no team re-signing him, Newton moved on. Although he didn’t initially say anything publicly about not desiring to play for a NFL team again, his focus had shifted to his restaurant, motivational speaking, and a foundation with the purpose of helping young people with their educational, physical, and social needs. On top of being an entrepreneur, Newton has been running an organization which holds 7-on-7 football tournaments for young football players aspiring to go places.
This week, Newton and several others were filmed scuffling on the sideline of a 7-on-7 football game. A few men were seen pushing around Cam as he defended himself, and one of them even attempted to punch him at some point. What happened isn’t clear, as witness testimonies conflict with one another. Several people have said that Newton started things by talking trash to another coach, Steph Brown. Brown lost his temper and physically confronted Newton. Apparently it was not the first time Newton was seen in a fight during a youth football game.
Many speculate Newton hides behind his fame to soften the blows of his actions, and as a 6 '5 and 250 pound man, it’s not difficult to imagine him intimidating others. One thing’s for sure: Newton’s public standing in football seems to be continuing its downhill trajectory.
Newton had a vulnerability to injury since his youth, and his time in the NFL was no exception. After his MVP season in 2015, he struggled to get his team more than even one playoff appearance. Things continued to go downhill from there, being transferred to the patriots in 2020, re-signing with the Panthers in 2021, and was released halfway through that season.
With no team re-signing him, Newton moved on. Although he didn’t initially say anything publicly about not desiring to play for a NFL team again, his focus had shifted to his restaurant, motivational speaking, and a foundation with the purpose of helping young people with their educational, physical, and social needs. On top of being an entrepreneur, Newton has been running an organization which holds 7-on-7 football tournaments for young football players aspiring to go places.
This week, Newton and several others were filmed scuffling on the sideline of a 7-on-7 football game. A few men were seen pushing around Cam as he defended himself, and one of them even attempted to punch him at some point. What happened isn’t clear, as witness testimonies conflict with one another. Several people have said that Newton started things by talking trash to another coach, Steph Brown. Brown lost his temper and physically confronted Newton. Apparently it was not the first time Newton was seen in a fight during a youth football game.
Many speculate Newton hides behind his fame to soften the blows of his actions, and as a 6 '5 and 250 pound man, it’s not difficult to imagine him intimidating others. One thing’s for sure: Newton’s public standing in football seems to be continuing its downhill trajectory.