Nothing was ever a "sure thing" when it came to Cam Newton. Before the Carolina Panthers made him the first player taken in the 2011 NFL Draft, there were more questions than answers about Newton.
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Would his skill set translate to the NFL? Could he develop as a pocket passer? Did he have a "fake smile" or could he be the face of a franchise?
There was even talk that Blaine Gabbert was a safer pick over Newton!
All of those questions seem preposterous today, but in 2011 those questions weren't only valid, they were pervasive.
Newton's college career started at the University of Florida, as a back-up to Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow. In his 2008, Newton was arrested on felony charges, stemming from Newton allegedly stealing a laptop from a Florida student. Shortly after, Newton transferred to Blinn College.
After one season at Blinn , Newton transferred to Auburn, where he won his own Heisman trophy, as well as a National Championship.
Newton's time at Auburn didn't come without controversy either, as his father was accused of selling Newton to the highest bidder before enrolling at Auburn. Newton was declared ineligible by Auburn after the NCAA found evidence Newton's father received money from Mississippi State.
In between Newton's Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011) and Offensive MVP honors (2015), there remained questions about Newton and his (in)ability to be a great quarterback.
Leading the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50, didn't quiet anyone. Losing in the biggest game of the season isn't all bad, but Newton's performance caused some to call his leadership into question (you see the trend forming?). After all of that, Newton seemed to take the handling of losing the Super Bowl too hard, which he was, of course, grilled for.
https://youtu.be/7B_T4a2_yVU?t=44s
Since being selected, Newton has been, by far, one of the most polarizing players in the NFL and if history has taught us anything, it's that he'll continue to be just that.
