One awry comment from Cam Newton has sparked an intense debate between one of the most prolific quarterbacks of his time and the new guard in the league. With the emphasis squarely on Jalen Hurts and the difference between the two, their performances in their respective Super Bowl appearances have become a specific area of debate. For folks in the Hurts camp, the detraction against Newton isn’t hard to make.
Concluding one of the most legendary seasons in league history, Newton led a turnaround for the Carolina Panthers all the way to an appearance in Super Bowl 50. Unfortunately, his performance in the big game wasn’t up to his usual standards, with an infamous hesitation becoming a slight against his entire career. With that moment and the game back in the limelight, another Carolina legend, Greg Olsen, spoke up about the moment that turned the perception around Newton.
Greg Olsen Offers Defense for Cam Newton’s Super Bowl Gaffe
For those in the unknown, Newton had a historic season in 2015, winning 15 games en route to winning the Offensive Player of the Year and MVP awards. His success continued in the postseason, as he was the driving force behind the Panthers’ Super Bowl appearance.
However, in the Super Bowl, his luck finally ran out. In a defensive masterclass, both sides were broiled in a one-possession game until the final minutes. With under five minutes on the clock, the game-changing moment occurred.
Facing a 3rd-and-9, Newton was strip-sacked by Von Miller. As the ball popped free, Newton was the third player to attempt a recovery of the ball, ultimately leading to the Denver Broncos assuming control of the football at the Carolina four-yard line.
It proved to be the difference in the game as the Broncos eventually won 24-10, ending Newton’s legendary campaign in heartbreaking fashion. However, his hesitance to dive for the football became the biggest story of the game, with fans and media immediately criticizing him for it.
For Greg Olsen, though, those criticisms are unwarranted against a player like Newton. During an appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Olsen offered his experience on the infamous moment and why he believed the former Heisman Trophy winner was the wrong guy to target.
Greg Olsen on Cam Newton’s fumble in Super Bowl 50 pic.twitter.com/byee6tmVeq
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) July 24, 2025
“Of every guy I’ve ever played with, if there was ever a guy that you did not have to question his physicality, his toughness, his competitiveness, it was Cam.” For the moment in particular, he added, “In the moment, that was not, ‘I’m scared to go get hit.'”
A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection with the Panthers, Olsen believed that the decision made in that split second was reflexive and unexplainable at a later time. Instead, he pointed to the history he shared with Newton as evidence for his belief.
“For 10 years, I watched that guy put his body, his life, his career on the line in big moments, in meaningful games, in Wednesday practice, in training camp, all between.” Concluding, he had one final message. “You cannot knock him for not being competitive, for not being tough.”
