It’s no secret that Cam Newton is currently the NFL player who everyone loves to hate. From his impeccable season with the Panthers to the birth of his baby boy, and another year the question remains: why do some people dislike Cam Newton so much?
For those of you who may be out of the loop, Cameron Jerrell Newton is a record-breaking quarterback who plays for the Carolina Panthers. He won the Heisman trophy in 2010, a BCS National Championship in 2011, was the first overall draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft and is the league’s most recent MVP. He is an amazing athlete on the field, so much so that we are willing to overlook the fact that he went to Auburn.
Cam has led his Panthers to the Superbowl with a 15-1 record, so I’d say he has done a pretty good job in this season alone. However, it is not Cam’s skills as a quarterback that seem to be under fire – it’s his on-field personality. Whether he is dabbing in his celebration dances, naming his son Chosen or wearing socks and sandals together, the general public seems to think that all Cam can actually do right, is play football. From the Superman pose to the dab, many people have labeled Cam as an arrogant and disrespectful player and a bad role model for children. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In numerous occasions Newton has proven himself to be genuine, charitable and an all around great guy. There are dozens of inspiring, and slightly less publicized stories about how Cam truly cares for and interacts with his fans whenever he has an opportunity.
Personally, I don’t understand all of the animosity directed towards Cam. While I’ve never been a Panthers fan, I will always respect a good game of football from any team and excellence from any player. Cam is not only a great football player, he is an entertaining one who clearly enjoys what he does. I don’t think it’s fair for the public to judge him so harshly for simply being himself. Although the media has criticized him multiple times for his chosen form of celebration, the general public seems to have embraced Cam’s personality and even looks forward to his touchdown performances. Cam continues to do what he wants and be who he is – as he should. I applaud Cam for remaining unbothered by this situation. It baffles me that such a seemingly great guy and excellent quarterback can’t break out into dance without it being news – although the socks and sandals fashion faux pas is still up for discussion.
To Cam I say: Dab on sir. They just hate you ’cause they ain’t you.
Candace Allen is a junior majoring in athletic training. Her column runs biweekly.
