Cam Newton, quarterback, Carolina Panthers
It was just five short years ago that a new breed of quarterback took the NFL by storm. Teaming up with Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick, Newton headed a trio that seemed prepared to bring the league into the future. A dual-threat quarterback that could defeat opposing defenses multiple ways. At around that same time, Russell Wilson was surprising onlookers in the Pacific Northwest with his combination of passing and running dominating defenses despite the quarterback’s 5-foot-11 frame.
Fast forward a half decade, and only two of these players remain signed by an NFL team. Some will decide Wilson is more deserving of a spot in this article due to his championship, but Newton’s upside takes the cake.
The former No. 1 pick is coming off a down 2016 campaign that saw him put up only 19 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions. Even then, we can cut Newton some slack. He was dealing with obvious injuries throughout the year — a reality that led to off-season shoulder surgery. More than that, Carolina’s front office failed Newton at every turn by providing him with an absolute dumpster fire of an offensive line.
We can’t project into the future and assume Newton will be healthy or injury plagued. He’s only missed three games to injury in six seasons. That bodes well for the former NFL MVP and his ability to remain on the field. Though, it’s what Newton has done over these past six seasons that should tell us he’s destined for Canton.
Cam Newton is averaging 4,223 total yards and 31 touchdowns in his six-year career. pic.twitter.com/Kvl5ZRGjWc
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) June 6, 2017
Just imagine if Newton lasts as long as a Tom Brady or Philip Rivers. The career-ending numbers we would then see from this generational talent would make him an all-time great statistical quarterback. Add in the potential of team-wide success in Carolina, and there’s no reason to believe Newton isn’t already Hall of Fame bound.