Photo Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Cam Newton has been everywhere lately after leading the Panthers to an almost undefeated season and now Super Bowl 50. One thing that hasn’t stopped, however, is the amount of criticism Newton is receviing for seemingly no reason. He has even inspired “concerned parents” to write letters about the poor example he is setting for young fans. The only question that all I can ask is for what reason and why?
Newton is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game right now and likes to have fun while playing. Newton threw for 35 touchdowns and rushed for ten, second in the NFL for passing TDs and fifth in the NFL for rushing TDs. Maybe it’s due to the fact that Newton is so successful and better than most other teams that people feel the need to bash him.
People seem to bash Newton for ripping down signs that opposing fans have brought to the Panthers stadium. While other quarterbacks may not do it, what is the problem with Newton having some pride at their home stadium? Would you want to see another team’s gear while you’re out there trying to get the fans excited?
The second reason why Newton seems to be bashed is due to his end-zone celebrations. One of the most popular has to be the “dab”, but he’s not the only one who does that. A lot of other players in the NFL celebrate when they score a touchdown. Why does he get so much negative attention for it, though? He’s just doing what everyone else does, but is labelled as “cocky” or “over-the-top” which is completely ridiculous.
The last and, in my opinion, the dumbest reason is that he isn’t a good person. There is exactly no evidence to support this. The obvious example is that he goes out of his way after every touchdown scored to find a kid in the stands to give the football to. He was slated to work on a Nickelodeon show which has since been cancelled but that hasn’t stopped him in trying to help kids and adults alike. He is heavily involved in charity work, especially in the Charlotte area, but this isn’t the beginning of Newton’s charity work.
Newton has been doing charity work since his college days and it doesn’t look like he’ll be stopping anytime soon. As long as Cam Newton is scoring touchdowns, he’ll be showing his appreciation to the community who supports him and give as much time and energy. He cares about his team, his fans, his community and most importantly the kids who he knows look up to him.
If that isn’t enough to stop the Cam Newton bashing, then nothing will. No matter what he does or doesn’t do, however, he will be villanized regardless. Newton has shown that he can handle all of the criticism though and that’s why he’s arguably the best young quarterback in the game now.
