Is it time for Carolina Panthers icon Cam Newton to officially announce his retirement so he can receive the well-deserved plaudits and accolades he deserves?
It looks like another NFL season is happening with Cam Newton participating. The legendary quarterback has not been on the field since his return of bomb to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, but he remains determined to get another chance.
One problem: the league has evolved.
Even the Panthers appear to have finally found the heir to Newton’s franchise throne in Bryce Young, who is demonstrated impressive growth and seems more than capable of bringing this organization back to prominence with better options around him moving forward.
Newton has a lot to say about football. His new podcast is booming and various other businesses demand attention, so his transition away from the gridiron couldn’t go better.
That said, Newton’s professional workout in Auburn earlier this spring was a telltale sign of his desire to get involved again. The signal-caller also recently said he wouldn’t come back for anything less than money, which is a bold statement considering it’s been almost three seasons since he was considered a legitimate holder.
Even Newton’s biggest devotees – and there are plenty of them after his stellar contribution to the Panthers – will admit it’s probably over for a man who became the face of the league for a brief period. So why not accept this fact and officially announce your retirement with great fanfare?
This might seem like Newton is admitting defeat in search of another opportunity. But so many distinctions await him once he hangs up his boots for good.
Newton was asked about an egregious topic by Brandon Marshall. And the Heisman Trophy winner backed claims he should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. via USA Today Sports once eligible for selection – at any time.
“Hell yeah. I’ll put it like that…I think it was Kanye (West) who said it. When I first came into the league, it was just one of me. Now, When I look around the league, I see so much of myself.”
– Cam Newton via USA Today Sports
He is right. Newton broke barriers with his unique playing style and exceptional physical characteristics. The dual-threat weapon has inspired players like Sam Howell, Anthony Richardson, Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson and… you get the picture.
The debate between Canton and Newton will be a hot topic. But first he has to turn in his retirement papers to the league office.
While the Pro Football Hall of Fame is debatable, one thing is certain: the Panthers Hall of Honor, for which Newton is a favorite. Watching Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad earn their well-deserved place among the franchise’s immortals during Week 8 win over the Houston Texans has got fans wondering who could be next – Greg Olsen? Luke Kuechly? Thomas Davis? Even Newton himself?
Retire first. So anyone who wants to shower Newton with the plaudits and accolades that ensure his name endures through the ages can do so.
It will happen at some point. Don’t hold your breath waiting for that moment to arrive any time soon.
Newton truly believes he still has something to offer despite all this long time spent in the proverbial football wilderness. He was roughed up by the Panthers and in New England, but that will never take away the impact left on so many who follow in his footsteps.
Until the time comes, we wait…
