Cam Newton gives Caleb Downs solid advice and inadvertently points to why Cowboys rookie will hit the ground running in the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys rookie is always down to learn, and his conversation with former NFL MVP Cam Newton was no exception.
Back in April, not everyone agreed where Caleb Downs should have been drafted. Not everyone agreed where you should trade up for him and what cost. Right now, not everyone agrees what his role should be in his first year with the Dallas Cowboys.
But there is one thing everyone seems to be on the same page about and it has everything to do with how quickly Downs will adapt to life in the NFL. And in a recent show with former NFL MVP Cam Newton, one of the reasons why came to light.
Newton highlights Downs’ trajectory
Speaking on the Downs 2 Business podcast, hosted by Caleb and his brother Josh (Indianapolis Colts WR), Newton touched on the fact that Caleb would play on a Cowboys team that draws more attention than any other NFL team.
“You’re walking into a Netflix special,” Newton told Caleb. “Hey look, Josh over there went to a team that’s barely on Tubi.”
Besides the fun at Josh and the Colts’ expense, the group highlighted the fact that the spotlight won’t be anything new to the Cowboys rookie.
“Bro, you went from Alabama to Ohio State to the Dallas Cowboys,” said Josh.
“The football gods have smiled on you, bro,” Newton added. “Every place you went has been like that. Even in high school, bro, you didn’t go to some little scrub high school. They were very rich with winning there, you know what I’m saying? So it wasn’t like, ‘All right, well, I’m just going to go here and be the guy.’ But dang, that’s crazy. All those programs, and then you go to Dallas.”
Downs’ experience in big-time programs is a big advantage entering his Cowboys career. And a much needed one. After all, the Cowboys are counting on him to be more than just a contributing rookie. They moved up in the first round to get him to be a difference maker, one they badly need to turn around the worst defense in the NFL.
Newton’s advice to Caleb
People around Caleb Downs often praise his hunger to find answers and learn, and you can see it even in an interview. Five minutes into the show, Downs is already asking Newton for his advice going into his first ever NFL training camp.
The former MVP did not disappoint, going away from the typical advice you hear and instead offering specific action items.
“But what I will advise you to do is find three guys that match this aesthetic,” Newton said. “Find you one guy. You being a DB, find that one guy that’s your OG. Find that person that can teach you how to study, teach you how to watch film.”
“Also, find a veteran, or observe a veteran, who knows how to take care of their body,” he added. “And unconventionally, what I would say is find that person who knows how to move off the field. Nobody talks about that. [. . .] It’s the guys that don’t get in trouble [. . .] that seemingly got it figured out.”
That’s veteran advice right there. Downs likely has heard all about being who he is and forgetting about his past and showing up to work (which Newton also told him). But Newton’s advice on finding players to surround himself with is genius and something every Cowboys rookie should pay close attention to.