Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP, has become quite the polarizing figure not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his outspoken nature off it. Recently, he made headlines with his candid remarks about various NFL topics, touching on Shedeur Sanders’ performance, Notre Dame's legitimacy, and even critiquing comments made by Eric Dickerson about Saquon Barkley.
Shedeur Sanders’ performance during the Alamo Bowl has been under scrutiny, and Newton didn't hold back his thoughts. During his podcast, '4th and 1', he addressed Sanders' decision to wear New York Giants-themed cleats before the game. While appreciating the confidence it projected, Newton asserted, "Everything about pregame I approve. Everything happened during the game I disapproved." This critique came after Colorado's disappointing defeat to BYU, with Sanders throwing for two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Newton remarked, "That’s your last hurrah… That’s the last display people have to sit on," emphasizing the stakes for Sanders as he heads toward the NFL Draft.
Newton's reflections didn’t stop there. He expressed frustration at Sanders not dominating against BYU’s defense. He recalled his own collegiate finale at Auburn, where he led his team to victory and earned the spotlight. Newton's advice to Sanders was unambiguous: "If you gonna talk, make sure you walk." For many, Sanders’ performance raised questions about his potential draft stock, making Newton’s analysis even more consequential.
Shifting focus, Newton weighed in on Notre Dame’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP). He claimed the Fighting Irish didn't deserve to be there, making his case after their victory over Georgia. He criticized their schedule, stating, "Notre Dame played six top 25 teams... They have the 58th strength of schedule." His remarks sparked debate, especially as many believed Notre Dame's defense is one of the best within the CFP. This criticism came on the heels of the Irish's impressive record, stirring emotions among fans and alumni.
Not one to shy away from controversy, Newton also weighed in on the comments made by Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson pertaining to Saquon Barkley. After Dickerson indicated he wouldn’t support Barkley breaking his single-season rushing record, Newton responded with frustration. "We got to stop being haters," he declared on his podcast. He advised Dickerson against 'gatekeeping,' saying, "Come on bro, we know you did it in lesser games." This feud highlighted the competitive nature of record-breaking within the NFL, especially as Barkley inches closer to possibly shattering the record.
Alongside these critiques, Newton also stirred the pot by declaring baseball to be "dying". This generated significant backlash from the sports community and players alike. Commenting on the declining interest, Newton suggested baseball might soon be overshadowed by leagues like the WNBA. This reckless claim drew ridicule, with baseball enthusiasts arguing for the sport's enduring legacy.
Adding to his recent commentary was Newton’s praise for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. During an ESPN segment, he pointed out Burrow’s impressive statistics which mirror those of Tom Brady during his peak. Newton noted, "Burrow is one of three players all time to throw for 4,500 yards, 40 passing touchdowns, fewer than 10 interceptions." This comparison to Brady held additional weight as it underscored Burrow's potential, even amid challenging playoff odds.
These moments highlight Cam Newton's controversial role as both player and commentator. Whether he's critiquing the performance of budding stars or the historical significance of teams and records, Newton's candid nature continues to spark discussions across the sports world. His perspectives often serve as both praise and defiance, leaving fans and fellow athletes alike waiting to hear what he'll say next.
With the NFL playoffs looming and the draft just around the corner, Newton's insights will likely remain hot topics within sports discussions, reminding us all just how influential and divisive his opinions can be.