Cam Newton is returning to the world of football. The former NFL MVP has signed with ESPN to become a pundit on its flagship debate show “First Take”.
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Newton will go head-to-head across the table from Stephen A. Smith to debate the biggest topics in the sport. Newton’s first assignment is on Friday when the “First Take” HBCU roadshow travels to Tennessee State.
Newton, 35, has not played since a short-lived return to the Panthers three years ago. He has since flirted with the idea of pursuing a return to the field. But his increasing commitment to the realm of media – coupling his new ESPN role with his “Funky Friday” and “4th & 1” podcasts – indicates his playing days are almost certainly over.
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“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton told The Hollywood Reporter of his decision to join the show. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
ESPN executive vice president David Roberts added: “Cam Newton’s addition to First Take brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities. His dynamic charisma, combined with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-watch television for fans.”
Newton is one of the most charismatic stars the NFL has produced in recent years. He was often the subject of intense discussion on “First Take”, with Smith notoriously declaring three years ago that he did not believe Newton produced a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Newton was the NFL MVP in 2015 (
Eric Espada/Getty Images)
“I don’t believe Cam Newton has had a Hall of Fame career. He’s got a 68-55 record in 10 seasons as the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. He did win league MVP, he did take them to one Super Bowl.
“[But] he is devoid of any Super Bowl championships, he’s had one 4,000-yard passing season, he’s got a career 191 touchdowns to 118 interceptions. It’s not even a 2:1 ratio.
“I respect Cam, but I don’t see Hall of Fame. I’m looking at Cam’s resume – stud, one of the elite talents in the game, but when you talk about throwing the ball with accuracy in this era, I don’t see the Hall of Fame.”
In joining ESPN, Newton appears to have snubbed the advice Smith offered him earlier this year, advising the former No. 1 overall pick to blaze his own trail as a pundit rather than joining the media establishment.
“Please understand if everybody was you, you wouldn’t be special. You can rock the hat, the dreads, whatever outfit. You’re Cam Newton, bro, the former No. 1 overall pick, former league MVP,” Smith told Newton on “4th & 1”. “Most people ain’t you; 99 per cent of the people out there have to go corporate. You don’t have to.”
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