After this year’s NFL season, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is now a household name. Following a 15-1 season, with the leadership of the charismatic Cam, the Panthers earned their rightful place at the Superbowl 50. Although the Panthers did not win the Superbowl, their impressive season, with the spotlight on Cam Newton, was a true feat. A 2011 1st pick draft, and one of only 5 black quarterbacks, Newton is a unique addition to the Carolina Panthers. During his time at Auburn, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2010 and was the only first pick in the draft to win this award since 2003. Additionally, on February 6th, 2016, he was the 2015 NFL MVP Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Newton’s career began in Atlanta, Georgia, playing for Westlake High School’s football team. As a 16 year old, he grabbed the attention of collegiate football teams, and by his senior year he had many offers. Although he eventually signed with the University of Florida, he had potential scholarships from Ole Miss, Maryland, Mississippi State, Georgia, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma. In 2007 and 2008, he played with fellow Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. In 2009, Cam transferred to Blinn College, and guided their football team to NJCCA National Football Championship that same year. His role in this pivotal season earned him a place with the Auburn Tigers football team. It was with this team, after a record-breaking season, that he won the iconic Heisman Trophy. With the Tigers, he assisted wins for the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship. Finally, foregoing his senior year, Newton signed as the starting quarterback with the Carolina Panthers, where he remains today.

For his professional career, Cam Newton started strong as the first NFL rookie to throw over 400 yards in his first game, breaking a record previously held by Peyton Manning. In his first season with the Panthers, they finished 6-10; he ended the season as the first rookie to obtain over 4,000 throwing yards. The next year, Cam Newton’s potential proved itself as he improved many aspects of his game, for example, by focusing especially on reducing the amount of turnovers which caused most of his rookie season’s losses. By 2013, Cam Newton was ranked #24 on the NFL Top 100 list, moving up significantly from his 2012 ranking of #46. During this season, the team made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. In 2014, the Panthers made it again to the playoffs, but again lost in the Divisional Round. However, 2015 proved to be Cam Newton’s year. After signing for another five years with the Carolina Panthers, Newton led his team for a 3-0 start in the season, accounting for approximately 76% of all the offensive yards in the first games. After a victory over the Green Bay Packers, the Panthers led with an 8-0 record, earning Newton the NFC Offensive Player of the Week title. By the end of the season, the Panthers obtained a 15-1 season, with Cam Newton winning five NFC Offensive Player of Week awards and tied for the most with Tom Brady. In addition to his award as the 2015 MVP, Newton won the Offensive Player of the Year from the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA).

In addition to his superior skills as a quarterback, Cam Newton has an incredible fashion sense. 

In his camouflage suit, Newton could never hope to hide his talent.

Sparkling gold shoes for the NFL Golden Boy.