Cam Newton hasn’t played in the NFL since 2021. Earlier this year, he said in an interview with Boardroom that, “I’m not a football player no more. I’m a YouTuber.”
Now, he’s a TV personality.
ESPN has hired Newton to be a commentator on First Take, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter. The former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will be a regular on the show alongside Shannon Sharpe and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. Per THR, Newton will make his on-air debut on Friday during a live taping at Tennessee State University.
“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton said in a statement to THR. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
An executive with ESPN, David Roberts, told THR that Newton’s “dynamic charisma” and the potential for “high-profile debates” would make for “compelling, must-watch television.”
ESPN has cut notable names from its roster over the last year, from on-air talents like Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III to NBA writers like Zach Lowe.
Newton adds an immediately recognizable name to one of the most-watched shows on sports television.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
