Former NFL MVP lands major role with ESPN

Former Auburn quarterback and NFL MVP Cam Newton in 2023. Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton lands major role with ESPN

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 10/10/24

On Thursday, ESPN announced that the network hired Cam Newton as a regular analyst on “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.

The former NFL MVP will debut with the Tennessee State show on Friday for the “First Take” HBCU roadshow.

“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”

ESPN has signed former NFL MVP Cam Newton (@CameronNewton)

Newton will primarily be a commentator on @FirstTake with @stephenasmith & @MollyQerim

Newton makes his debut Friday during First Take's HBCU roadshow at Tennessee State University

Details: https://t.co/nXQ2SUTmW9 pic.twitter.com/wk2jNEUY2E

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 10, 2024

While Newton has not formally retired from the NFL, he last played in 2021. Newton has since found success with his own “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” show, where he has shown that he is not afraid to be honest and deliver unpopular takes. That approach is likely what appealed to Smith and ESPN.

Newton, 35, had his best years with the Carolina Panthers from 2011-19. He was named NFL MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 that year, where they lost to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Injuries then derailed Newton’s career, and he spent an unsuccessful season with the Patriots in 2020 before returning for a brief stint in Carolina in 2021.

Newton will now be part of the regular “First Take” rotation, which also features Shannon Sharpe, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and other guests.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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