Hall of Fame chances for the 20 best NFL quarterbacks entering 2019
By Brad Weiss
Cam Newton
- Carolina Panthers (2011-present)
Cam Newton played only one season at Auburn, but boy, was it a special one. In his only year as the starting quarterback for the Tigers, Newton led Auburn to a national title, won the Heisman Trophy and established himself as the definitive player to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The team holding that pick was the Carolina Panthers. Since selecting “Superman” with the No. 1 overall pick, he has been their franchise quarterback. An extremely rare blend of arm and leg talent, Newton has put together an impressive NFL career, but he has battled through inconsistent play and injuries.
A three-time Pro Bowler, including in 2011, where he was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Newton was once considered the best quarterback in football.
In 2015, he had his best season as a pro, leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and berth in the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. For his efforts, Newton was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Unfortunately for Newton, the Broncos defense came to play in Super Bowl 50, and they were beaten pretty soundly. Since then, Newton has yet to make it back to the Pro Bowl and he heads into 2019 with uncertainty surrounding his throwing shoulder.
The Panthers drafted Charlotte native Will Grier out of West Virginia University last month. If Newton can not get back to 100 percent, he may be done as the franchise guy in Carolina.