The Carolina Panthers will be well represented in next month's Pro Football Hall of Fame class with Luke Kuechly, the star Linebacker who was a Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time First Team All-Pro. If it were up to Kuechly, one of his former teammates would be in the Hall with him.
In an article by Scott Fowler in the Charlotte Observer, Fowler referenced past interviews that he had recently conducted, and he referenced a quote by Kuechly regarding Newton:
“When he was rolling, he was the best player on the field at all times. I know he was the league’s MVP and a Pro Bowler and all that stuff. But just think about that: Whenever he was on the field, he was the biggest, most physical and best player on it.”
To Kuechly’s point, Newton was a freakish athlete who set the since-broken record of rushing touchdowns with 72, pounding 5,628 yards in the process.
In Fowler’s article, he also referenced Newton’s former Head Coach, Ron Rivera, who had this to say about Newton’s Hall of Fame candidacy:
“For seven seasons, before he hurt his shoulder, Cam Newton was at the top of the NFL. There’s got to be some serious consideration for the hall of fame, and I mean that, because that guy redefined the position.”
Newton was a dominant player from 2011 to 2017 and won the league MVP in 2015, which was the season he led Carolina to a Super Bowl appearance. As great as his overall year was, Newton is best remembered that year for failing to dive for a fumble late in the game.
Should a single play define a career? No, but when it happens at the biggest stage, it is forever remembered.
As for Newton, he is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2027.
Comments powered by CComment