What sacrifices would you make to secure a championship? Would you exchange personal accolades for the chance to enjoy the pinnacle of sports success with your teammates? Cam Newton confronted this dilemma and offered an unexpected perspective.
Ultimately, he indicated he wouldn’t exchange his MVP trophy for a Super Bowl victory.
“What’s more significant — impact or championships?” Newton posed on the Jan. 30 episode of “First Take” on ESPN. He elaborated that not all athletes will achieve the iconic status of figures like Michael Jordan or Patrick Mahomes, who excelled in their sports while accumulating championships.
Cam Newton says on @FirstTake he wouldn’t trade his NFL MVP for a Super Bowl championship: pic.twitter.com/WmO0FW33MA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 30, 2025
He continued by referencing previous quarterbacks who have experienced victory in the Super Bowl.
“Let me remind you — Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl. Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl. Respectfully, Nick Foles won a Super Bowl. When you examine these players and ask, ‘Okay, what’s truly important? Would you have rather secured a Super Bowl victory?'”
“I think that’s having a humble mindset, but if we’re truthful, the value of holding yourself accountable lies in recognizing that everyone has responsibilities, and as an MVP award recipient or All-American, you fulfilled your part of the agreement.”
Newton reached the NFL’s grandest stage but was unable to capture the win or lift the Lombardi Trophy. Instead, the Denver Broncos reveled in victory while Newton and his Carolina Panthers teammates returned home disheartened.
His journey to the Super Bowl came on the heels of an MVP season, during which the former Auburn quarterback guided the Panthers to a remarkable 15-1 record and the top seed in the NFC. He amassed 3,837 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, along with rushing for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Although Newton shone during the regular season, he faced challenges against the Broncos’ formidable defense. He recorded 265 passing yards and threw one interception. Additionally, he lost two fumbles, as the Panthers managed to score only 10 points. One of these fumbles drew scrutiny, as replays revealed him hesitating to dive into the pile for the ball before withdrawing from the scramble.
