After nine years Cam Newton’s time with the Carolina Panthers comes to an end. The franchise kicks out their former franchise quarterback. It is a sad farewell for the former hero.
“I’m hungry. Hungrier than ever. I’m unemployed.”
Cam Newton spoke with these words Monday night from his private gym via Instagram. The interesting thing is that the 30-year-old hadn’t actually been laid off from the Carolina Panthers at that point.
But Cam seemed to have guessed it, the official announcement followed on Tuesday noon.
The Panthers spoke highly of their long-time franchise quarterback: “Cam is one of the greatest personalities in the history of the Panthers,” team owner David Tepper explained on the team website.
“If you ask any of our fans about some of their most memorable moments, I’d bet that most of them would include Cam – electrifying games, giving away football after touchdowns, fun cheers and big wins. His fighting spirit and drive are unique.”
But the former love affair has recently been severely damaged, and Newton may even be showing a trace of bitterness. His latest social media articles at least let you see it between the lines.
Bad blood between Newton and Panthers?
After the Panthers reported last week that Newton was given permission to actively look for a trade partner, “Super-Cam” rumbled back on Instagram:
“Stop twisting my words. I never asked for this. I love the Panthers to death and will always love you. Please don’t try to toy with me, or tamper with what I’m saying, or pretend that I want all this. You made me do this.”
The trade search was unsuccessful, hence the dismissal. As the successor to the first pick of the 2011 draft, the Panthers already hired Free Agent Teddy Bridgewater and provided him with a three-year contract worth $63 million. Although the signature is still pending, the delay is due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, the team hired former XFL quarterback P. J. Walker of the Houston Roughnecks, whom the new head coach Matt Rhule still knows well from his time at Temple University.
And things are not necessarily looking any better for Newton outside Carolina.
Less and less possible teams for Newton
After the departure of Tom Brady, the New England Patriots, among others, were considered Newton’s potential new employers. However, after the return of Brian Hoyer, the place behind youngster Jarrett Stidham is already occupied.
According to media reports, the Los Angeles Chargers do not want to replace the outgoing Philip Rivers with an experienced quarterback. Rather, Tyrod Taylor is to be promoted to the first position and one of the much sought-after prospects will be signed in the draft.
The Washington Redskins, who are now taking on Newton’s old companion Ron Rivera, the long-time head coach of the Panthers, also went a different way by signing last year’s backup Kyle Allen.
So the outlook is bad for Newton, whose chances of starting with another team in the coming season are steadily dwindling.
For Carolina he scored 29,041 passing yards, 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions in 125 regular-season games. His greatest success with the team was reaching Super Bowl 50, which he lost to the Denver Broncos 10-24.
Now the sad end of the former love affair.
Comments
No Comments