Former NFL MVP and Carolina Panthers legend Cam Newton admitted to hurt feelings by not being among the Panthers alumni invited to the team’s trip to Munich, Germany, a week ago, claiming the franchise has been avoiding his legacy and “not -k with” him more generally. Newton, who played his final snaps for the Panthers at the end of the 2021 season, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft and led the team into the most successful era in its history.
Reacting to a video from a Panthers Fan Fest in Germany that included former teammates such as Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith and Julius Peppers on his 4th and 1 podcast, Newton expressed his displeasure with the way the franchise has treated him in the aftermath. of his playing career, saying the Panthers have not honored him under the pretext that he never officially retired from the NFL. While Newton has gone on record as saying that his playing career has come to an end, he says he has no interest in formally retiring.
“When I see certain things like this happen, with me being in control of the narrative, it’s like, bro, that’s not hard to find,” Newton said. “I didn’t even know certain opportunities existed. And when I don’t show up, it’s because I didn’t know. So, did it hurt my feelings? Yes, it did, as a man. Damn brother, I gave everything to this city.”
“…That franchise and me, it’s simple. It takes two to tango. My number hasn’t changed. I reached out several times and did a lot of things. There’s so much familiarity there. How did they look at you? As an ambassador or as Former player? Is there a difference?
“But for too long, it’s been a bullshit excuse like, ‘We don’t know if Cam’s retired or not.’ …I’m not going back just to walk hallways.”
Newton’s place as one of the best players in Panthers history, if not the absolute best, is more than secure considering he leads the franchise in nearly every quarterback statistical category and is the only player in the history of the franchise that has won the NFL MVP. honors, having done so in 2015 while leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50. A big part of his legacy is also the bonds he formed with his longtime teammates and greats. teammates of the franchise, who reached out to help clear things up.
Greg Olsen, who paired with Newton to form one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterback-tight end connections in recent memory, offered to lead the way to join a live show between Panthers greats which Newton said he suggested to the franchise. Meanwhile, Thomas Davis responded to someone who suggested Newton had been snubbed in his and Olsen’s 2021 retirement speeches.
“Cut the bullshit. Everyone knows Cam and I are A1 so don’t try to create any nonsense,” Davis wrote with several laughing emojis on his X account.
Newton played 10 of his 11 NFL seasons for the Panthers, first from 2011 to 2019 and then again in 2021 following a midseason injury to Sam Darnold. He hasn’t played in the NFL since and is now pursuing a media career that includes his own platform as well as a spot on ESPN. First take.
