Former NFL MVP and Carolina Panthers icon Cam Newton expressed his disappointment over being excluded from the Panthers’ recent trip to Munich, Germany, where several former players were invited. Newton, who was the Panthers’ No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and led the team to its most successful era, believes the franchise has distanced itself from him since his playing days ended in 2021.
Reacting to a video from the Panthers’ Fan Fest in Germany that featured former teammates like Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith, and Julius Peppers, Newton opened up on his feelings of being overlooked by the franchise. He believes the Panthers have been avoiding his legacy, citing that they have not officially recognized his contributions because he never formally retired. Although Newton has stated that his playing career is over, he has no intention of submitting an official retirement statement.
“I’m not hard to find,” Newton said on his 4th and 1 podcast. “I didn’t even know certain opportunities were out there, and when I don’t show up, it’s because I didn’t know. Did it hurt my feelings? Yeah, it did. I gave this city everything.”
Newton continued, expressing his frustration with the Panthers’ lack of acknowledgment: “It’s like, they act like they don’t know if I’m retired. That’s been the excuse for too long… This shit is over. I’ve reached out, I’ve done so much for this franchise, and they’re still holding onto this idea. I’m an international guy, not just someone who’ll show up to walk the halls.”
As the franchise’s all-time leader in several quarterback records and the only MVP winner in team history, Newton’s legacy with the Panthers is secure. He helped the team to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2015. Despite his contributions, Newton feels the Panthers have not properly honored him, even as he’s remained close to several of his former teammates, including Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis.
Olsen, who had a standout career with Newton, offered to help bring attention to Newton’s contributions and suggested a live show featuring Panthers legends, while Davis defended Newton from critics who suggested the quarterback was excluded from his and Olsen’s 2021 retirement ceremonies.
Newton, who spent 10 seasons with the Panthers before a brief return in 2021, has not played in the NFL since and is now focusing on his media career, including his own platform and a role with ESPN’s First Take.
