Cam Newton added to First Take roster will debut at an HBCU

By Tolly Carr

Cam Newton is joining ESPN as a regular contributor on First Take, the network announced Thursday. Front Office Sports reports that Newton’s debut will be at Tennessee State on Friday as part of the network’s HBCU road show. Cecil Newton Jr., the older brother of Cam Newton, was an offensive lineman at Tennessee State.

The former NFL MVP, who spent a decade as a quarterback, last appeared on an NFL roster in 2021. Though he hasn’t officially retired, Newton has been focusing on media ventures, including his podcasts 4th & 1 With Cam Newton and the Funky Friday Podcast.

“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton said in a company release. “I’m excited to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”

David Roberts, ESPN’s Executive Vice President and Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment, praised the move. “Cam Newton’s addition to First Take brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities. His dynamic charisma, combined with high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will make for compelling, must-watch television.”

Newton’s outspoken personality aligns with the media landscape, where former athletes often thrive. While his podcasts often explore cultural topics, his football content offers unique insight from one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. His arrival marks a significant mid-season addition for ESPN.

During his NFL career, Newton played for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. He won the 2015 MVP award with the Panthers and led them to a Super Bowl appearance, where they lost to the Denver Broncos. After signing with the Patriots in 2020, he was released before the 2021 season, losing the starting job to Mac Jones. He briefly returned to the Panthers in 2021 but has not played since.

Newton joins fellow former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe, Dan Orlovsky, and Marcus Spears as regular contributors on First Take, where they’ll face off with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.