Before Cam Newton became the top pick for the Carolina Panthers in 2011, he wore No. 2 at Auburn University. This week, Auburn announced that Newton’s jersey number will be retired in October, ensuring no future player will wear it for the Tigers.
Newton joins Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Bo Jackson (No. 34), and Terry Beasley (No. 88) as Auburn football players whose numbers have been retired.
“Auburn will always be home to me,” Newton said in a statement. “The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment, and to have my jersey retired alongside legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley is an incredible honor that I’ll cherish forever. War Eagle!”
During the 2010 season, Newton led Auburn to a perfect record and a national championship. He passed for nearly 2,900 yards with 30 touchdowns, rushed for over 1,400 yards with another 20 touchdowns, and also caught a touchdown pass.
From that championship team, only one other offensive player was drafted in the same year: tackle Lee Ziemba, who was selected by the Panthers in the seventh round.
Derrick Brown, current Panthers defensive tackle and former Auburn standout, reflected on Newton’s impact at Auburn: “It was awesome,” Brown said. “You know Cam’s one season, everybody says it’s just one season, but man, it was a legendary one, especially one down on The Plains.
“I know how the school definitely has cherished the moments that he made and led the school to, so I’m ready to celebrate that with him.”
After his college career, Newton won NFL MVP honors with Carolina during their notable 2015 season when he led them to a near-perfect regular-season record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50.
In addition to Newton’s recognition at Auburn this October, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan will also be honored by his alma mater as he enters the University of Miami’s Ring of Honor.
