A Controversial Statement Rekindles Team Tensions
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton recently stirred up controversy by stating that he inherited a "locker room of losers" when he joined the team as a rookie in 2011. This remark has not gone well with many of his former teammates, including two-time All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith Jr., who expressed his deep disappointment with Newton’s comments. Smith, known for his fiery personality and loyalty to the Panthers, felt that Newton’s statement was disrespectful and dismissive of the hard work and dedication of the 2010 team. The comments have also prompted a response from former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, who emphasized the importance of diplomacy and respect.
Ron Rivera’s Perspective on Newton’s Comments
"Sometimes things are better left unsaid," Rivera said in an interview with The Athletic. He further explained that he would have preferred Newton to be more diplomatic because many players from the 2010 team went on to play significant roles in the Panthers’ historic 2015 Super Bowl run. Rivera’s sentiment is rooted in his understanding of the journey the team took from the bottom to the top. Both Newton and Rivera joined the Panthers in 2011, with Newton being the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and Rivera stepping into his first NFL head-coaching position. The 2010 Panthers, led by longtime coach John Fox, had a dismal 2-14 record, which ultimately led to significant changes in the organization’s direction.
The Panthers’ Early Struggles and Turnaround
Prior to Newton and Rivera’s arrival, the Panthers had a respectable nine-year tenure under head coach John Fox from 2002 to 2010. Despite this, the 2010 season was a low point, and the franchise decided it was time for a fresh start. Rivera and Newton were tasked with rebuilding the team, and their early years were challenging. The Panthers compiled a 13-19 record over the 2011 and 2012 seasons, as they navigated the ups and downs of a rebuilding process. However, things started to turn around in 2013 when the team finished 12-4, earning a bye in the playoffs but falling short in the divisional round at home.
The Peak of Success: The 2015 Season
The 2015 season marked the pinnacle of Newton’s and Rivera’s careers with the Panthers. The team put together the best season in franchise history, finishing 15-1 and securing the NFC championship. Newton’s performance was especially remarkable, as he threw for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns, rushed for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns, and was awarded the MVP. The 2010 team, which Newton had criticized, played a crucial part in this success, with many of its members contributing to the 2015 roster. Their collective effort and resilience were instrumental in the team’s transformation and eventual Super Bowl appearance, where they narrowly lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
Decline and Departure
After the high of 2015, the Panthers experienced a significant decline. They missed the playoffs in 2016 and then had a resurgence in 2017 with an 11-5 record, winning the NFC South and advancing to the wild-card round before being eliminated. However, the team never returned to the playoffs during Newton’s tenure. In 2019, the Panthers released Newton, and shortly after, Rivera was fired following a 5-7 start to the season. During Rivera’s nine-year tenure, the Panthers achieved a combined 76-63-1 regular-season record and 3-4 in the postseason, making Rivera the most successful head coach in franchise history (1995-present).
Legacy and Reflection
Newton remains Carolina’s all-time leader in passing yards (29,725), passing touchdowns (186), rushing touchdowns (63), and wins (68), while also ranking third in rushing yards (5,036). His journey with the Panthers is a testament to his talents and the impact he had on the franchise. On the other hand, Rivera’s legacy is marked by his leadership and the team’s historic achievements during his tenure. After his dismissal from the Panthers, Rivera took the helm at the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2023, where he faced new challenges but ultimately fell short of expectations. He recently transitioned to a front-office role with his alma mater, the California Golden Bears, continuing his involvement in the sport he loves. Both men’s careers are defined by their significant contributions to the Panthers and the highs and lows they experienced together.
