CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A Carolina Panthers legend will have an expanded role on the biggest American sports network.
ESPN announced on Wednesday, Aug. 27 that former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton signed a multi-year agreement that will make him a more prominent figure on the network’s weekday show “First Take.”
Newton -- the 2015 NFL MVP -- was first hired by ESPN in October 2024, and now less than a year later will get more air time.
Most of Newton’s prior work with ESPN was already on “First Take.” While the network said he will have an expanded role on the show, it did not say exactly what that role will look like nor how often he will appear.
“I am excited to be back with the ‘First Take’ team and share my voice on all things sports,” Newton said in a statement. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I’ve always admired.”
An ESPN executive called the former Panthers star “a unique talent who is authentically himself.”
Newton will co-star on “First Take” with ESPN veteran Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim. The show airs every weekday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will have an expanded role on ESPN's show "First Take."
Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will have an expanded role on ESPN's show "First Take."(Rusty Jones | AP)
Newton growing his media presence
Newton made headlines in February 2024 when he said in an interview with Boardroom that “I’m not a football player no more ... I’m a YouTuber.”
In the time since his football last game, the 2011 No. 1 draft pick has grown his media presence so much so that he claims to be the “largest YouTuber in NFL history.”
Aside from his 1.7 million YouTube subscribers, Newton has 4.7 million followers on Instagram and more than 600,000 on TikTok.
His “4th&1 With Cam Newton” podcast has grown in popularity among sports fans, with some of his takes starting internet battles between himself and other athletes and celebrities.
Newton also appeared in the public eye as a contestant on the reality TV series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
Other former Panthers who have made their mark in the local and national sports media world include Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly and Jake Delhomme -- the latter two of whom are fixtures on the Panthers’ radio broadcast team.
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