Brandon Marshall considers himself a traditionalist, but the New York Jets receiver appreciates the carefree style of Cam Newton and the young generation.
According to Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media, Marshall — while appearing on “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” — commended Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton for speaking up about how race contributes to criticism of him.
Marshall said he wouldn’t want a celebratory quarterback but added he enjoys watching the emotion players like Newton and Odell Beckham Jr. display.
“Listen, I don’t want my quarterback dancing. I’m from the old school. I want my quarterback to get back in the huddle and lead us. But what we have to understand is this is the new generation. This is what they’re doing next. They’re disruptive. They’re disrespectful. They don’t give a damn about anyone. And I kind of like it.”
Newton’s antics have been a major topic of conversation throughout the 2015 season. He celebrates first downs. He dances after touchdowns. He intentionally stirs up the crowd.
And that makes some people uncomfortable.
Right or wrong, that’s simply the way it is. Newton is a divisive personality and will likely remain that way. The older generation and traditionalist younger group like Marshall — and that certainly isn’t limited to players, extending to fans — can be uncomfortable when someone ignores customs.
As Marshall said, we tend to put quarterbacks in a box and say be like Joe Montana, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. In some respects, even Newton has tried to do that. He throws around awful clichés at press conferences — but had you ever heard anyone use collard greens in a metaphor?
Newton doesn’t fit the mold.
“I love it,” Marshall said of Newton. “Keep doing it. Keep dancing.”
Do you, Newton. Even if that’s not what others want to see.