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Cam Newton’s transformation from washed-up NFL quarterback to hot-take-spewing embrace-debate artist is complete.
As first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, ESPN has hired the 2015 NFL MVP as a contributor to Stephen A. Smith’s First Take.
It looks to me like a great career move for the former Panthers and Patriots quarterback. Newton floundered for a while after his 11-year NFL career came to an end. Footage of Newton, brawling with multiple men while wearing a comically large hat at a youth football tournament, went viral earlier this year.
But Newton has remade himself as an interesting media personality via his 4th&1 and Funky Friday podcasts. With his strong opinions, outsized personality, and flamboyant fashion sense, he should fit right in with Smith’s rotating cast of guest debaters on First Take, including Shannon Sharpe, Marcus Spears, Dan Orlovsky, and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.
The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Auburn is scheduled to debut Friday during First Take’s HBCU roadshow at Tennessee State University. Newton’s hire also deepens First Take’s bench should Smith leave ESPN for late-night TV, news, or Hollywood.
“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business,” Newton said in a statement. “Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
David Roberts, ESPN’s EVP of sports news and entertainment, had this to say about Newton: “His dynamic charisma, combined with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-watch television for fans.”
