History of Cam Newton in Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1960: Newton ranks third in NFL

In week three against the New Orleans Saints, it marked the 14th time in his career where Newton notched two-plus touchdown passes and at least one rushing touchdown, third-most in the NFL since 1960, behind only Steve Young (17) and Fran Tarkenton (16).

1965: Tucker Frederickson drafted first overall

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

1971: Pat Sullivan's Touchdown Record

Since 1971, Pat Sullivan's school record stood at most touchdowns in a single season. Cam Newton broke this record later in his career.

1976: Steve Grogan's Rushing Touchdown Record

In 1976, Steve Grogan set a rushing touchdown record for quarterbacks which Cam Newton broke in 2011.

1983: Father Played for Dallas Cowboys

In 1983, Cam Newton's father, Cecil Newton Sr., played as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys.

1984: Father Played for Buffalo Bills

In 1984, Cam Newton's father, Cecil Newton Sr., played as a safety for the Buffalo Bills.

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.

May 11, 1989: Cameron Jerrell Newton Born

On May 11, 1989, Cameron Jerrell Newton was born. He would later become a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Kerry Collins wins PFWA All-Rookie Team

In 1995, Kerry Collins won the PFWA All-Rookie Team award.

2000: Kurt Warner sets NFL record

In the 2000 season, Kurt Warner set an NFL record of 827 passing yards in the first two games of the season, which Cam Newton broke in 2011.

2001: Chris Weinke wins PFWA All-Rookie Team

In 2001, Chris Weinke won the PFWA All-Rookie Team award.

2002: Julius Peppers wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Julius Peppers won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first Panthers rookie of the year.

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.

2003: Steve McNair Named NFL MVP

In 2003, Steve McNair became the first African-American quarterback to receive the NFL MVP honor, sharing it with Peyton Manning.

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.

2004: Lowest Completion Percentage Since 2004

In a Week 12 game, Newton had a 23.8 completion percentage, the lowest for a quarterback with at least 20 attempts since Joey Harrington in 2004.

2006: LaDainian Tomlinson Player of the Week Awards

In 2006, LaDainian Tomlinson of San Diego achieved the feat before Newton of winning the NFL's player of the week award four times in a seven-week span

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: Tom Brady Player of the Week Awards

In 2007, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots won three player of the week awards in five weeks while quarterbacking the Patriots during an undefeated regular season. This happened before Newton replicated the feat.

2007: Tom Brady Most in a Season

In 2007, Tom Brady won five awards tied for the most in a season in NFL history

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.

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 from another University of Florida student.

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.

November 2010: Reported Potential Expulsion from University of Florida

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

November 2010: Controversy Regarding Allegations Against Father

In early November 2010, a controversy emerged regarding allegations that Cam Newton's father sought substantial sums of money in return for his son playing for a major college football team, violating NCAA rules.

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: Declared Ineligible and Reinstated

In 2010, Auburn declared Cam Newton ineligible after the NCAA found evidence that his father solicited money. He was almost immediately reinstated after Auburn filed an appeal.

2010: Won Heisman Trophy

Newton's return to the December 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony was the first time since winning the award in 2010.

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: Spoke about his faith after winning the 2011 BCS National Championship Game

In 2011, Newton spoke about his faith after winning the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, calling it a "God thing."

2011: Second-Highest Quarterback Rushing Touchdowns

In 2020, Newton finished the season with a league-high 12 quarterback rushing touchdowns, the second-highest in a season behind his 14 in 2011.

2011: Matched career-high of three such games in rookie season

In Week 9 of 2020, the performance marked the third time in the 2020 season that Newton had rushed for two touchdowns in one game, matching his career-high of three such games in his rookie season in 2011.

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.

2011: Rushing Touchdowns

Since 2011, only Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson recorded more rushing touchdowns than Newton.

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: Cam Newton Rated 46th Best Player

In 2013, Cam Newton was rated as the 46th best player by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list, reflecting his performance in 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: Most touchdowns by a single player

In 2015 Cam Newton's 45 total touchdowns during the regular season marked the most touchdowns by a single player since 2013.

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.

March 21, 2014: Cam Newton undergoes ankle surgery

On March 21, 2014, Cam Newton underwent surgery to tighten his ankle ligaments, an issue he had since college. The recovery time was estimated at four months, causing him to miss training camp and the first preseason game.

December 9, 2014: Car Crash in Charlotte

On December 9, 2014, Cam Newton was involved in a car crash in Charlotte where his vehicle flipped, and he suffered two back fractures.

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.

2014: Panthers won Opener

In 2014 the Panthers won their opening game with an injured Newton on the sidelines.

March 2015: 7th-most merchandise sold

From March 2015 to February 2016, Newton sold the 7th-most merchandise in the NFL.

June 2, 2015: Contract Extension

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

2015: NFL Top 100 Players of 2015

Despite injuries during the 2015 season, Newton was rated as the 73rd best player in the NFL on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

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2015: Graduated from Auburn University

In 2015, Cam Newton graduated from Auburn University with a degree in sociology.

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.

2015: 2015 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year

In 2015, Cam Newton was selected as the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year by the PFWA.

February 6, 2016: Named NFL MVP

On February 6, 2016, Newton was named NFL MVP. He was the second African-American quarterback to receive the honor.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, the Panthers lost Super Bowl 50 to the Broncos by a score of 24–10. Newton hesitated to dive on a fumble late in the fourth quarter.

February 2016: 7th-most merchandise sold

From March 2015 to February 2016, Newton sold the 7th-most merchandise in the NFL.

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.

2016: Surpassed Steve Young's NFL records

In the opening game of the 2016 season against the Denver Broncos, Newton surpassed two of Steve Young's NFL records.

2017: Ranked 44th on NFL Top 100 Players of 2017

Despite a down 2016 season, in 2017, Newton was still ranked 44th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

2018: Ranked 25th on NFL Top 100 Players of 2018

In 2018, Newton was ranked 25th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players.

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.

January 24, 2019: Right Shoulder Surgery

On January 24, 2019, Cam Newton underwent right shoulder surgery to address a nagging injury.

March 2019: Became a Vegan

As of March 2019, Newton became a vegan after previously being a pescetarian. Some dietitians suggested that the change in diet may have delayed his injury recovery.

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.

2019: Voted Most Underrated Quarterback and Ranked 87th on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2019, Newton was voted the most underrated quarterback in the league by defensive players and ranked 87th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2019: Lowest Passing Yards Outside of Injury-Shortened 2019 Campaign

In 2020, Newton threw for 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns, which were the lowest outside of his injury-shortened 2019 campaign.

2019: Fathered a son, split with Proctor

In mid-2019, Newton fathered a son with an Instagram model months before his fourth child with Proctor was born. Newton and Proctor split later that year as a result of the affair.

2019: Note: As of 2019 off-season

This entry provides a note that references the 2019 off-season.

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.