Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP quarterback, recently had an insightful conversation with Travis Hunter, a prospective No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They reflected on Newton’s own experience as the first overall selection back in 2011.
Cam Newton hopped on Travis Hunters’ show and dropped a GEM about being the #1 pick 💎@TravisHunterJr @CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/oJPsXALOEx
— Overtime (@overtime) February 7, 2025
“You could potentially be the first pick, but, bro, you have no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does,” Newton explained during the Travis Hunter show podcast. “You can lock down the No. 1 receiver. You can make impact plays on offense all you want but it’s still not like a quarterback.”
Reflecting on his own journey, the 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year noted, “My issue is that, when I was the first pick, I went into a locker room of losers. Just honest. Guys didn’t know how to win; guys didn’t know how to prepare. They didn’t take themselves serious to realize we was 2-14. There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys.”
Following Newton’s revealing comments, Steve Smith Sr., a five-time Pro Bowler and former Panthers teammate, responded to the viral clip shared on X. He didn’t hold back, stating, “53 man locker room – 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89,” accompanied by an angry emoji.
Smith, who has transitioned into NFL commentary, later expressed disappointment over Newton’s remarks about the Panthers, a franchise where they played together for three memorable seasons.
I’ve watched & listened from afar as U @CameronNewton
talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes, we were 2-14 before you blessed us with your presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish you nothing but the very best. I’m done!!! ✌️— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025
When someone online pointed out that Smith himself has also criticized his former team, the three-time All-Pro wide receiver clarified his position. “I’ve never backed down from my words,” he asserted. “However, calling the men in the locker room losers isn’t slander; it’s disrespectful! I disliked a lot of things that happened with my time there. But calling men losers? No way.”
Cam Newton stops for a pregame chat with Steve Smith pic.twitter.com/z8Ja49GBEq
— Bill Voth (@BillVothNFL) September 12, 2019
It’s important to note that Smith and Newton enjoyed a dynamic quarterback-receiver partnership during their time in Carolina, successfully connecting on 216 passes for 3,313 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith holds the record for the most receiving yards in franchise history, tallying 12,197, while Newton proudly stands as the Panthers’ all-time passing leader with 29,725 yards.
