Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton has appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” many times as a guest and will now be seen there more often after finalizing a deal with the network last week.
Newton and ESPN agreed to a multiyear contract that was announced Wednesday. As part of celebrating his new deal, Newton was a panelist alongside Stephen A. Smith on the HBCU Tour that “First Take” has conducted in recent years.
“I am excited to be back with the First Take team and share my voice on all things sports,” Newton said in an ESPN press release. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I’ve always admired.”
The contract comes after ESPN parted ways with former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe after the Pro Football Hall of Famer was accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a woman in 2023. Sharpe, who was a regular on the show, settled the lawsuit.
Newton, the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 draft, played 11 seasons in the NFL, completing 59.9% of his passes for 32,382 yards, 194 touchdowns and 123 interceptions. He also rushed for 5,628 yards and 75 touchdowns.
Newton spent his first nine seasons with the Panthers, winning the league’s MVP award in 2015 when he helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. He was named All-Pro once (2015) and selected to three Pro Bowls. He spent the 2020 season with the New England Patriots before returning to the Panthers for his final season in 2021.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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