CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton's done seemingly everything in football. From winning the Heisman Trophy at Auburn to becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick and taking the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl as NFL MVP, Newton's illustrious career speaks for itself.
Now, Newton thinks he can help Carolina rediscover its mojo in a new role: team president.
During an appearance on "The QB Room" with former teammate Kyle Allen and ex-NFL player Jordan Palmer, Newton gave his elevator pitch to owner David Tepper for why it would work.
"Let me be the team president," Newton said. "And I guarantee you I can sell out. I can give you what you need from Bryce. I can also speak on what the fans' expectations is and also have the leverage to hold management and Tepper accountable."
Currently, only three NFL franchises have former players in prominent front office roles. They are San Francisco, Tennessee and Washington. Locked On Panthers host Julian Council isn't sold on the idea, but he also wouldn't hate it if Tepper brought Newton in as an advisor, especially when it comes to creating a game day atmosphere fans want to be part of.
"Remember what Cam did when he'd get a first down, that little dance? He turned it into an entire production and that energy was palpable," Council said. "That energy's been gone since Cam came back for the Washington game two years ago."
Newton spent the majority of his career with Carolina after being drafted first overall in 2011. The Panthers won three consecutive division championships with Newton at quarterback, culminating in a 15-1 season in 2015 that saw Carolina make it to the Super Bowl. Newton struggled with injuries in subsequent years, including a shoulder injury that derailed Tepper's first year as owner in 2018.
"I think that David Tepper should at least call the man and see what kind of role potentially could fit for the two of them, for Cam to maybe come back here to Carolina and help fanbase morale," Council said.
The Panthers have the worst record in the NFL this year and first overall pick Bryce Young has struggled. Head coach Frank Reich was fired a few weeks ago and Panthers fans are feeling blue with no first round pick in next year's draft to look forward to. That's precisely why Newton wants to do whatever he can to get the franchise back on track.
"I would love to help him as well as everything, because I will always be connected to Carolina," Newton said. "I will never bet against, go against Carolina. It's a part of me, hell, I still have residences in Carolina. I don't think I care enough to coach, but I would love to be in an advisory situation to help the overall franchise."
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