Challenges Faced by Cam Newton: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Cam Newton. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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 abilities, he holds the NFL record for quarterback rushing touchdowns and ranks third in rushing yards. Newton won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Auburn before being drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2011. He holds numerous franchise records for Carolina, including passing yards and touchdowns.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2004: Lowest completion percentage

In a Week 12 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Cam Newton was benched after completing 5 of 21 passes for 92 yards, two interceptions, and a 5.8 passer rating. His 23.8 completion percentage was the lowest for a quarterback with at least 20 attempts since Joey Harrington in 2004.

November 21, 2008: Arrested on Felony Charges

On November 21, 2008, Cam Newton was arrested on felony charges of burglary, larceny, and obstruction of justice for allegedly stealing a laptop computer from another University of Florida student.

2008: Ankle Injury and Medical Redshirt Season

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

November 2010: Controversy Regarding Allegations Against Father

In November 2010, Cam Newton's 2010 football season was mired in controversy regarding allegations that his father, Cecil Newton, sought substantial sums of money in return for his son playing for a major college football team.

November 2010: Report of Potential Expulsion for Academic Dishonesty

In November 2010, it was reported that Cam Newton faced potential expulsion from the University of Florida for three instances of academic dishonesty prior to transferring.

2010: Ineligibility and Reinstatement

In 2010, Cam Newton was declared ineligible by Auburn after the NCAA found evidence that Cecil Newton solicited money from Mississippi State in exchange for Cam Newton's athletic services, but he was reinstated the next day after Auburn argued that Cam Newton was unaware of his father's actions.

October 2011: NCAA Investigation Closed

In October 2011, the NCAA concluded its 13-month investigation into Cam Newton's recruitment, finding no evidence of Auburn participating in a pay-for-play scheme. The investigation found that Cecil Newton only solicited a cash payment from Mississippi State. The NCAA stated the allegations did not meet the burden of proof.

March 21, 2014: Ankle Surgery

On March 21, 2014, Cam Newton underwent surgery to tighten the ligaments in his ankle, an issue he had since college. The recovery was estimated to take four months.

December 9, 2014: Car crash in Charlotte

On December 9, 2014, Cam Newton was involved in a car crash in Charlotte, suffering two back fractures after his vehicle flipped.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, in Super Bowl 50, the Panthers lost to the Broncos 24-10, with Newton struggling and facing criticism for his performance and a controversial play where he hesitated to recover a fumble.

2016: Career worst season

In 2016, Cam Newton experienced a career-worst season, completing only 52.9% of his passes. He threw 19 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions, contributing to the Panthers' regression to a 6–10 record.

2016: Milestones and Benchings

In the 2016 season, Newton surpassed Steve Young's NFL records for career rushing touchdowns and games with a passing and rushing touchdown; however, he also suffered a concussion, missed a game, and was benched for a dress code violation.