Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is standing by his controversial remarks about the team's culture when he first joined the franchise. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, recently described the locker room he entered as full of "losers." While acknowledging the strong nature of his words, he insists they accurately reflect the situation he encountered.
During an appearance on his podcast, "4th & 1 with Cam Newton," the 2015 NFL MVP questioned the current climate of sensitivity, emphasizing the need for honest assessments. He reiterated his belief that the Panthers' locker room indeed had a losing mentality when he arrived. Newton's initial comments were made during a conversation with Colorado's two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, who is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Newton aimed to provide Hunter with a realistic perspective on the challenges he might face as a high-profile rookie joining a struggling team.
Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, a teammate of Newton's, publicly criticized the quarterback's remarks on social media. Smith, a finalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame, expressed disappointment in Newton's portrayal of the team. Newton responded by clarifying that his comments were directed at the overall team culture and not individual players. He explained that he was referring to the "losers' mentality" that permeated the organization before his arrival, which he believes contributed to their 2-14 record in 2010. He maintained that this mentality persisted into his early years with the team, even as their record gradually improved.
Newton emphasized that he wasn't claiming sole responsibility for the Panthers' eventual success, which culminated in a Super Bowl appearance in 2015. Rather, he sought to convey to Hunter the reality of joining a team with a losing history. He reiterated his belief that his assessment of the Panthers' pre-2011 culture was accurate, despite the criticism he received.
