Cam Newton finally gets recognition for something Panthers fans who watched him closely have known for a long time
The Carolina Panthers were established in 1995, so the franchise is still young for NFL parameters. There isn't a long history or a big number of historical players. But for fans who have followed the team, Cam Newton is clearly the most notable player.Sure, linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith would be great […]
The Carolina Panthers were established in 1995, so the franchise is still young for NFL parameters. There isn't a long history or a big number of historical players. But for fans who have followed the team, Cam Newton is clearly the most notable player.
Sure, linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith would be great candidates, but The Big Lead's Brian Thomas had the correct option for the Panthers on a list mentioning the top player for each franchise in the league.
"The apex prime of Newton's career was far more special than he's given credit for. In 2015, he racked up all of the major offensive accolades — including Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Pro, and the league MVP Award. The three-time Pro Bowler also took the Panthers to the Super Bowl that season after leading the team to a 15-1 record in the regular season. Newton’s physicality as a unicorn of an athlete was on full display. He'd run over you, run around you, and with the flick of his wrist, launch the ball downfield with ease (and supreme velocity)." — Brian Thomas.
If you look at the individual players without considering positional value, Kuechly is probably the best player. He played eight NFL seasons and made the First-Team All-Pro five times and the Second-Team twice, being a Pro Bowler seven times. He was the rookie of the year in 2012 and the defensive player of the year in 2013. Steve Smith also had a great career, being a First-Team All-Pro twice and a Pro Bowler five times.
Newton was truly elite for a relatively short period of time, but his prime was insane. And he plays the most important position in sports, which drove him being named the only MVP in Panthers' history so far. Cam also made the Pro Bowl three times, including as a rookie—which is impressively insane.
Cam Newton started nine seasons for the Carolina Panthers, between 2011 and 2019. After a year with the New England Patriots in 2020, he returned to Charlotte in 2021 for a short second-stint, playing eight games and starting five. Newton is now 36, and his legacy will live forever in the minds of Panthers' fans who watched him completely alter the trajectory of the franchise for a decade.
Former Panthers All-Pro Luke Kuechly confirms suspicion around shocking retirement decision that saw him walk away from football in 2020
The former linebacker great speaks out.
