As one of the greatest players in Carolina Panthers history, Cam Newton’s legacy with the franchise is unquestioned. However, a recent visit to the team’s practice facility left the former NFL MVP feeling slighted and disheartened.
Noticing His Missing Image
In a candid episode of his “4th-and-1” podcast, Newton recounted an incident from last year when he returned to the Panthers’ facility in Charlotte. During a 7-on-7 tournament, the 33-year-old quarterback made an unexpected discovery: he couldn’t find his image on the team’s murals and displays.
“People don’t know this story, but I’m going to tell it,” Newton began. “I don’t have any quarrel with David Tepper… Last year, we had a 7-on-7 tournament in Charlotte. As the individual I am, I was granted access to the facility. We entered the Panthers facility. Are you implying that one of the greatest Panthers in history isn’t present there? Y isn’t up there?”
But it wasn’t Newton himself who first noticed the glaring omission—it was his young son. “Who brought it to my attention? Who? My son. Even though he was only eight years old, he was constantly running around. As a father, it can be challenging to explain to your son, “Daddy, where’s your picture?”
The tour guide’s explanation, however, did little to ease Newton’s disappointment. “Who brought it to my attention? My son. Even though he was only eight years old, he was constantly running around. As a father, it can be challenging to explain to your son, “Daddy, where’s your picture?”
The Panthers’ facility reportedly dedicated its second and third levels to showcasing the franchise’s legends. Although the Panthers informed Newton that his image featured there, the former MVP felt the placement did not adequately represent his contributions.
Snubbed For Germany Trip
The Panthers organization’s disregard for Newton intensified when he discovered his exclusion from a recent team ambassador trip to Germany.
Just before the Panthers’ 20-17 win against the New York Giants in Munich last Sunday, the team invited several legends—including Steve Smith Sr., Luke Kuechly, Julius Peppers, Thomas Davis, and Jake Delhomme—to fly with them and promote the brand. However, the team did not extend an invitation to Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, who played alongside each of those players at some point in his career.
“I didn’t even know certain opportunities existed.” So did it hurt my feelings? Yeah, it did. I’m like, damn, bro, I gave this city everything,” Newton lamented on his podcast.
The Panthers organization has pointed to Newton’s uncertain retirement status as the reason for not including him in the Germany trip. But for a player who spent nine seasons with the team and helped elevate them to new heights, the snub stung.
A Legacy Forgotten?
Over the course of his 11-year NFL career, Cam Newton established himself as one of the most dynamic and productive quarterbacks of his era. The Panthers selected him first overall in the 2011 draft, and he quickly made his mark on the franchise.
In his rookie season, Newton set several records, including most passing yards and rushing touchdowns by a first-year QB. He would go on to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and become the first rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards.
Between 2013 and 2017, Newton led the Panthers to four playoff appearances and three division titles. In 2015, he led Carolina to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance, earning him the title of NFL MVP.
Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, it appears the Panthers have not done enough to preserve Newton’s legacy within the organization. The fact that his own son had to point out the absence of his father’s image at the team’s facility speaks volumes about how the franchise has handled its former star player.
Moving Forward
While Cam Newton has not officially retired from the NFL, it’s clear that his time as an elite quarterback is likely behind him. After struggling with injuries in recent years, he spent the 2020 season with the New England Patriots before returning to the Panthers midway through the 2021 campaign.
However, Carolina did not re-sign Newton after that season, leaving his future in the league uncertain. And based on his recent comments, it seems the former MVP feels that the Panthers have not done enough to honor his contributions to the team and the city.
“I was unaware of the existence of certain opportunities.” When I fail to show up, it’s because I was unaware of the opportunity. So, did it hurt my feelings? Yes, it did hurt my feelings, as a man,” admitted Newton.
As the Panthers continue to move forward under new ownership and leadership, one has to wonder if they will make a concerted effort to properly commemorate Cam Newton’s legacy. It would be the least expected of a player who has contributed so much to the organization and community.
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