So, when was the last time an NFL team called former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to play? Well, maybe not since he was a Carolina Panthers quarterback.
Newton was featured as a guest on Tuesday’s episode of The Dan Patrick Show, where host Dan Patrick (who would’ve thunk it?) inquired about his job status—specifically, on the on-field one. And from football player/broadcaster to broadcaster, Cam kept it real.
“Two years,” he responded.
If that is indeed the case, then it’s likely the Panthers, who brought the franchise great back in 2021, were his last call. Newton went on to appear in eight games for Carolina that season, throwing for 684 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 230 yards and another five scores.
Patrick then asked Newton if he or his agent has been reaching out to teams recently. While he did say he has “a lot of interest” in returning to the field, the 34-year-old said he hasn’t called anyone.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you call, if they don’t want you, they’re not picking up,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve known the NFL to do and be very intentional in what they do. It’s no manipulation, it’s no swaying. It doesn’t matter if I call them. If they don’t want me, it’s still gonna be . . . okay.”
The 2023 season has seen quite a few contenders suffer from devastating injuries to their starting quarterbacks—including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. But would Newton fit into any of those situations?
Patrick asked Newton if he believes he’s too big of a personality for some quarterback rooms, even if he were to be a backup.
“I’ve said it before, yes,” he replied. “What do you say to a Dak Prescott? What do you say to a Derek Carr? What do you say to a healthy Deshaun Watson? What do you say to, at the particular point in time, a Zach Wilson? ‘Cam Newton’s comin’ in town. By all means, we want you to be the best version of yourself.'”
Newton’s last NFL snap came on Jan. 9, 2022.
