Breann Lujan-Halcon
When Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Cam Newton was about to be drafted into the NFL, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson asked the heisman winner to maintain a certain image. This image was what Richardson and many others thought a quarterback should be, a clean cut, strong but silent, inside of the pocket quarterback. In exchange for the first pick Cam agreed to Richardson’s dress code, no long hair, no piercings, no tattoos.
Cam Newton went on to have a breakout rookie year, breaking golden boy Peyton Manning’s rookie record for most passing yards on opening day, and the most rookie yards passing. Newton threw over 4,000 yards that year becoming the only rookie quarterback to do so.
Fast forward to less than a week before Super Bowl 50 and Cam Newton is one of the most polarized players in the league. The reason why he’s so hated among NFL fans is not quite clear. Is it because he dabs after flipping into the endzone scoring a touchdown? Is it because he tore down the 12th man flag while celebrating? Is it because his pregame get up is a little out there? Or is it because you’re too old for him to hand you a football in the endzone?
I have a theory, it’s because he’s different. And no, let’s be clear- despite circling rumors this is not about race. Yes, he’s a black quarterback, but that’s not what sets him apart. It’s because despite all attempts, he does not fit the traditional quarterback mold.
No one bats an eye when a receiver hits a victory dance in the endzone. But Cam Newton, arguably one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, when he runs 15 yards and throws himself on top of the pylon, he can’t dab? Give the man a break.
He feeds the hungry, helps the poor, is giving Carolina kids something to get excited about every time he comes anywhere near the red zone. How can anyone hate that so much?
You don’t hate Cam Newton because he’s controversial. You hate him because he’s successful. Because he dropped 31 points on your favorite team. Because he is going to the Super Bowl.
Sunday he will face off against America’s beloved Peyton Manning in the most viewed programming on television. The NFL’s best offense versus the top ranking defense. The oldest quarterback to take the Super Bowl stage versus one of the youngest. Whether you like him or not, he deserves the respect. Maybe he’s not another cookie cutter quarterback, but he is the first Cam Newton, and you better get used to it.
