Career Timeline of Cam Newton: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Cam Newton made an impact.

Cam Newton is a former American football quarterback who played 11 seasons in the NFL, mainly for the Carolina Panthers. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, he holds the NFL record for quarterback rushing touchdowns and ranks third in rushing yards. Newton won the Heisman Trophy and the BCS National Championship with Auburn before being drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2011. He holds numerous franchise records for Carolina, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1965: Tucker Frederickson drafted first overall

In 1965, Tucker Frederickson became Auburn's first No. 1 selection in the NFL draft.

1986: Bo Jackson drafted first overall

In 1986, Bo Jackson was drafted as Auburn's second No. 1 selection in the NFL draft.

1988: Aundray Bruce drafted first overall

In 1988, Aundray Bruce was drafted as Auburn's third No. 1 selection in the NFL draft.

2002: First New Primary Starter Since 2002

In 2020, being named starting quarterback and team captain of the Patriots made Newton the team's first new primary starter since 2002.

2003: Carson Palmer drafted first overall

In 2003, Carson Palmer was the last reigning Heisman Trophy winner to be drafted first overall before Cam Newton achieved the same feat.

2003: Panthers 3-0 start

In 2003, Newton helped lead the Panthers to a 3–0 start, the first time they had done so since the 2003 NFL season.

2004: Auburn's previous SEC Championship

In 2004, Auburn won the SEC Championship. Cam Newton led the Tigers to win the SEC Championship again in 2010, their first since 2004.

2007: Joined Florida Gators Football Team

In 2007, Cam Newton joined the Florida Gators football team as a freshman and beat out John Brantley to be the backup quarterback.

2007: Committed to the University of Florida

In 2007, during his senior year, Cam Newton committed to the University of Florida, becoming part of the top-rated recruiting class in the country.

2008: Ankle Injury and Medical Redshirt Season

In 2008, during his sophomore season, Cam Newton sustained an ankle injury in the season opener against Hawaii, resulting in a medical redshirt season.

January 2009: Transferred to Blinn College

In January 2009, Cam Newton transferred to Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, to play football.

September 4, 2010: First Game at Auburn University

On September 4, 2010, Cam Newton started his first game for Auburn University, winning against Arkansas State, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

December 4, 2010: Led Tigers to SEC Championship

On December 4, 2010, Cam Newton led the Auburn Tigers to their first SEC Championship since 2004 by defeating South Carolina. He was named the game MVP.

2010: Considered Best Single Season in NCAA History

Some sportswriters have argued that Cam Newton's 2010 season is the best single season by a player in NCAA history.

January 10, 2011: Won BCS National Championship Game

On January 10, 2011, Cam Newton led Auburn to a 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship Game.

January 2011: Cam Newton begins training with George Whitfield Jr.

In late January 2011, Cam Newton started training with George Whitfield Jr. in San Diego to prepare for the NFL Draft. Whitfield has trained other notable quarterbacks.

April 28, 2011: Cam Newton drafted first overall by Carolina Panthers

On April 28, 2011, Cam Newton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers, marking him as the first Heisman Trophy winner to achieve this since Carson Palmer in 2003. He was also the fourth player from Auburn to be a No. 1 selection.

July 29, 2011: Cam Newton signs four-year contract with Carolina Panthers

On July 29, 2011, Cam Newton signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, worth over $22 million. He chose to keep the No. 1 jersey after negotiations with Jimmy Clausen fell through.

September 1, 2011: Cam Newton named starting quarterback for Carolina Panthers

On September 1, 2011, Cam Newton was named the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, ahead of Derek Anderson and Jimmy Clausen.

September 11, 2011: Cam Newton makes NFL debut

On September 11, 2011, Cam Newton made his NFL debut. He passed for 422 yards, two touchdowns, and rushed for another in a loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Newton set a rookie record for most passing yards on opening day.

October 2011: NCAA closes investigation into Cam Newton's recruitment

In October 2011, the NCAA concluded its 13-month investigation into Cam Newton's recruitment by Auburn, finding no evidence of Auburn's involvement in any pay-for-play scheme. The investigation consisted of over 50 interviews and the review of numerous records. The NCAA stated that allegations did not meet the burden of proof, dismissing public speculation, and announced the conclusion of the investigation.

December 4, 2011: Cam Newton sets NFL rushing touchdown record for quarterbacks

On December 4, 2011, Cam Newton set the NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with his 13th touchdown of the season in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also caught a 27-yard pass, contributing to a 38-19 win.

December 24, 2011: Cam Newton breaks Peyton Manning's rookie passing record

On December 24, 2011, Cam Newton broke Peyton Manning's record for rookie passing yards during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He threw for 171 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown in the 48-16 victory.

2011: Cam Newton trains at IMG Madden Football Academy during NFL lockout

During the 2011 NFL lockout, Cam Newton trained at the IMG Madden Football Academy in Florida, spending up to 12 hours a day. He worked with ex-Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke.

2011: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

In 2011, Cam Newton was selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the NFL draft. He holds franchise records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns.

2011: Backup

On December 4, 2016 it was Newton's first professional game, other than his first career preseason game in 2011, in which he began the game as the backup.

January 1, 2012: Cam Newton becomes first rookie quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards

On January 1, 2012, Cam Newton became the first rookie quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in a season, during a game against the New Orleans Saints. He finished his rookie season with 4,051 passing yards.

January 22, 2012: Cam Newton named to Pro Bowl

On January 22, 2012, Cam Newton was named to the Pro Bowl after the New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. He replaced Eli Manning, who was headed to the Super Bowl.

February 4, 2012: Cam Newton wins AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year

On February 4, 2012, Cam Newton was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. He received 47 of 50 AP votes for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

2012: Week 14 win against Atlanta

During the 2012 Week 14 win against Atlanta, Cam Newton had 116 rushing yards on nine carries.

2012: First Game with Two Rushing Touchdowns

During the regular-season finale Newton had his first game with two rushing touchdowns since Week 12 of the 2012 season.

2013: Partnered with Belk for Clothing Line

In 2013, Newton partnered with Southern department store chain Belk on his own clothing line, MADE by Cam Newton.

2013: Newton's Passing Statistics

In 2013, Newton's average time to attempt a pass was 2.73 seconds and he had the ball out in under 2.5 seconds on 40% of his drop-backs.

2013: Panthers finish season 12-4

The 2013 season saw the Panthers finishing with a 12–4 record and earning a first round bye in the playoffs. Cam Newton passed for 3,379 yards, 24 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 585 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns during the regular season.

2014: Cam Newton selected for 2014 Pro Bowl

Cam Newton was selected for the 2014 Pro Bowl following the 2013 season. He lost his first NFL playoff game to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.

June 2, 2015: Contract Extension

On June 2, 2015, the Panthers and Newton agreed to a five-year, $103.8 million contract extension.

2015: Named NFL MVP and Super Bowl 50 Appearance

In 2015, Cam Newton had his most successful season, being named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and leading the Carolina Panthers to a franchise-best 15–1 record, resulting in an appearance in Super Bowl 50. He was the first Black quarterback to outright win NFL MVP.

2016: Career Worst Season and Team Regression

In 2016, Cam Newton had a career-worst passing completion percentage of 52.9%. He threw 19 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. The Panthers regressed to a 6–10 record.

2018: Performances in Weeks 1, 2 and 7

In Week 1 of the 2018 season, Newton went 32 of 45 passing, 335 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception to go along with 42 rushing yards in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 2, he passed for two touchdowns and ran for two touchdowns in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Newton led a comeback in the fourth quarter, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

May 2019: Fellaship Restaurant Opened

In May 2019, Newton's cigar bar and restaurant named Fellaship formally opened at Olympic Park Drive near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

March 17, 2020: Panthers Give Newton Permission to Seek Trade

On March 17, 2020, the Panthers announced they had given Cam Newton permission to seek a trade.

July 8, 2020: Signed with the New England Patriots

On July 8, 2020, after being a free agent, Cam Newton signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. He was named starting quarterback and team captain on September 3.