During his NFL playing career, Cam Newton was one of the most polarizing figures in the league. Newton led the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance during an MVP season that saw him skyrocket to the top player in the game. He defined an era and a Panthers’ franchise for a decade, but is Cam a future NFL Hall of Famer?
Former NFL great Brandon Marshall sat down with the former Panthers and Patriots signal-caller whether he believes he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The response was poignant and elaborate and may shock you.
Does Cam Newton Believe He is a Hall of Famer?
Newton was a force of nature during his 11 seasons (10 with the Panthers). The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for 32,282 yards, 194 touchdowns, and 123 interceptions.
The Panthers’ legend’s passing numbers tell part of the story. Cam defined the era of multidimensional quarterbacks, running for 5,628 yards and 75 rushing scores.
At times, the Cam QB draw around the goal line was virtually impossible to stop. A quarterback his size (6’5″, 245 pounds) with his speed (4.59 in the 40-yard dash) had never been seen before. As the kids say, Cam was one of one.
@funkyfriday @Cam Newton redefined the quarterback position #camnewton #quarterback #carolinapanthers #auburntigers
When Marshall first asked the former MVP whether he was a Hall of Famer, Newton was initially evasive, saying, “I don’t give a (expletive).”
Marshall has been honing his interviewer skills and wouldn’t let Newton off the hook that easily, and repeated the question. This time, the former college national champion relented by saying, “Hell yeah.”
Marshall wasn’t done with the questioning and asked Newton to elaborate on why he should be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Newton quoted hip hop legend Kanye West and stated, “When I first came into the league, it was only one of me. Now, when I look around the league, I see so many me’s.”
Newton has a point. The NFL has evolved to include multifaceted QB talents. Not only is the league open to the idea of running quarterbacks, but they purposefully search for players who make plays outside the confines of an NFL playbook. The ability to make a play outside of structure is one of the traits front offices prioritize the most.
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In many ways, Newton was before his time. What an innovative offensive mind like Shane Steichen could have done with him would have been exciting to see.
As great as Cam was at times, his career burned bright, but it burned quickly. Newton doesn’t have the extended level of greatness to be in the Hall of Fame, even if he did leave his legacy behind.
Does Newton Want To Return to the NFL?
Newton has openly discussed his interest in returning to the NFL. Originally wanting to be a starter, the former Super Bowl-playing QB set his sights a bit lower, willing to take on a backup role if necessary.
“There ain’t 32 guys that’s better than me,” Newton said. “But I also know that I could also be a backup, and I’m willing to be a backup.”
Newton gave a list of players he’d be willing to play behind this year, starting with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. He said he has a good relationship with Watson already and that he has “grown to admire the person, the athlete that he is.”
Newton also said he’d back up Lamar Jackson. Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears also made the list, as did Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Newton also said he’d be open to “groom” rookie quarterbacks C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson. However, Stroud has proven he might not need very much grooming this year, and Richardson, unfortunately, is now out for the season with an injury.
The full list of 12 QBs he would be willing to back up is as follows:
- Deshaun Watson
- Lamar Jackson
- Justin Fields
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Malik Willis
- C.J. Stroud
- Bryce Young
- Anthony Richardson
- Jalen Hurts
- Aaron Rodgers
- Josh Allen
- Sam Howell
An interesting group of quarterbacks, to say the least. However, Newton is confident that he can still bring a lot to the table.
“What I would provide is, ‘Hey, this is the level of expectation that everybody is expecting from you as a leader. You can’t just show up when you want to, and you can’t just leave when you want to.’ Those are the unspoken rules about the quarterback position.”
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