Cam Newton has continued speaking out against the pay disparity that some athletes face when transitioning from professional sports to media careers. His latest comments on that discussion focused on the similarities shared by Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, Kirk Herbstreit, Tony Romo, and J.J. Watt.
Though Newton’s comments drew a jab from one fan, Hall of Famer Terrell Owens stepped in to support the former Carolina Panthers superstar.
Terrell Owens Defends Cam Newton as Broadcasting Debate Over Black NFL Players Heats Up
Newton reignited the discussion about Black players being overlooked for broadcasting opportunities during his “4th & 1 Show,” questioning what criteria networks use when hiring analysts.
Newton pointed to white ex-NFL stars such as Brady, Romo, and Aikman, who have secured high-profile broadcasting roles and lucrative contracts. However, he thinks many former Black players are left in lower-tier analyst roles or have to create their own platforms.
Newton brought up Louis Riddick, who briefly held a primetime analyst role on Monday Night Football before ESPN informed him that Joe Buck and Aikman would be taking over. He also referenced Ryan Clark, who was let go earlier this year.
Clark was seemingly fired during a broadcast of NFL Live. He later said he had to change aspects of his personality to remain at ESPN, including feeling that he could not be “too Black.”
As Clark’s comments continued to fuel debate, Newton’s remarks added to the discussion, but one fan pushed back against his mention of Clark.
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“You mean like this guy? With his total and complete grasp on the English language? And always making race an issue? Get wrecked, Cam. The game is barely watchable at this point, not many want to watch an entire panel of former Black players play the victim behind a microphone,” the fan wrote.
Owens rushed to Newton’s defense against the fan. “You just don’t like hearing the truth huh?!” the six-time Pro Bowler wrote.
You just don’t like hearing the truth huh?! 😂
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) September 4, 2026
Owens later amplified Newton’s comments with another tweet.
“They can. They’ve displayed it, but you know what it is. It’s interesting you’re speaking on this because I’ve had discussions surrounding this exact topic with people who have asked why I haven’t done broadcasting, and this is why,” Owens wrote.
They can. They’ve displayed it but you know what it is. It’s interesting you’re speaking on this because I’ve had discussions surrounding this exact topic with people who have asked why I haven’t done broadcasting and this is why. https://t.co/prHOwxUpwq
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) September 4, 2026
Newton and Owens’ comments came shortly after Dan Le Batard discussed the issue on his show. Le Batard argued that despite the NFL being predominantly Black, executives continue to favor white former players when selecting talent for studio programs and announcing teams.
Newton also addressed the issue last year, explaining that he feels a responsibility to work hard in the media so that more Black quarterbacks receive opportunities to work on television. He said that though minorities make up roughly 75% of the sport, white former players still make up a disproportionate share of those providing color commentary.
