Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
47. Cam Newton
Drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011 out of Auburn University, Newton burst onto the NFL scene as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with 4,051 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and a record 14 rushing touchdowns for a rookie QB.
Over nine seasons with the Panthers (2011-2019), Newton led the team to three consecutive NFC South titles from 2013-2015 and a franchise-best 15-1 record in 2015, when he captured MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro honors. That year, he threw for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for 636 yards and 10 scores, guiding Carolina to Super Bowl 50, though they fell 24-10 to the Denver Broncos.
Released in 2020, he signed with the New England Patriots, starting 15 games for New England and tallying 2,657 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 592 rushing yards, but the Pats missed the playoffs.
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Briefly returning to the Panthers in 2021, Newton played five games before injuries and performance issues led to his effective retirement.
Newton’s career totals include 32,382 passing yards, 194 touchdowns and 123 interceptions across 148 games, plus an NFL-record 75 rushing touchdowns by a quarterback on 5,628 yards. He ranks among the top dual-threat QBs historically, with three Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2013, 2015).
Newton’s standout attributes were his elite athleticism, powerful arm for deep throws, and imposing 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame that made him a bruising runner capable of bulldozing defenders.
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Newton’s playing style revolutionized the position as a mobile gunslinger: explosive, charismatic, and improvisational, he often thrilled fans by extending plays with his legs and Superman-like dives.
While criticized for turnovers (123 career interceptions) and durability concerns from 58 career sacks in 2016 alone, his risk-reward approach inspired a new generation of athletic QBs.