Former Auburn Tigers quarterback Cam Newton has cut a niche for himself as a plainspoken sports analyst after his NFL career tailed off in 2021, following his latest stint with the Carolina Panthers. Newton has remained a certified celebrity in the Plains whenever he attends Auburn games, and he is considered a program legend.
Cam Newton Eyes Return to Auburn in Off-field Leadership Position
During Tuesday’s segment of the “Snapback Sports” podcast, Newton expressed interest in a managerial role at Auburn, further revealing the steps he would take to ensure his former team operates efficiently in the NIL era.
“I would love a managerial position at Auburn,” Newton said. “This is the reality. Former players don’t get enough just respect of being an expert in the space. Certain players finesse their way to money that you couldn’t do that (with their film).
“I would have an incentive-based contract (for Auburn players). If you hit these incentives, you’ll definitely be paid.”
Newton arrived on the Plains in a roundabout way, starting his college football career with the Florida Gators in 2007 as Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow’s backup for two seasons, before departing Gainesville under a cloud. He transferred to the JUCO side, Blinn College, where he led them to the 2009 NJCAA national championship.
The dual-threat quarterback was heavily recruited by both the Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners, ultimately choosing Auburn under head coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
Newton is an Auburn legend after a sensational 2010 season, during which he registered 2,854 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, while adding 1,473 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in Malzahn’s offense tailored to enhance his dual-threat ability.
He is fondly remembered on the plains for leading the Tigers to a stirring comeback from 24-0 down to beat rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide 28-27 in the Iron Bowl by throwing for 216 yards, resulting in three touchdowns, while adding one rushing score.
En route to winning Auburn’s last national championship title, Newton also won the Heisman Trophy, writing his name into the annals of Tigers history. He was thereafter selected No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, and four years later, he won the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
The former Tigers quarterback is just one of three former Auburn players to have won the Heisman Trophy, alongside quarterback Pat Sullivan and the legendary running back, Bo Jackson. He has a statue outside the Jordan-Hare Stadium and had his jersey retired by Auburn last year.
