Cam Newton’s Criticism Ignites Old Flames
Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., a revered figure in team history and one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers, took issue with comments made by his ex-teammate, Cam Newton. During a podcast appearance featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, Newton reflected on his experience as the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the pressures a high draft choice might face. He stated, "You could potentially be the first pick, but, bro, you have no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does. 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. 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." Newton’s candid remarks about the 2010 Panthers team, which had a abysmal 2-14 record, clearly struck a nerve with Smith, who was a member of that beleaguered squad.
Steve Smith Sr. Responds with Fury
Steve Smith Sr., known for his fiery personality and strong sense of loyalty, was quick to respond to Newton’s comments on social media. "53 man locker room – 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89," Smith wrote on X, accompanied by an angry-face emoji, using Newton’s old jersey number to emphasize his point. Smith, now a respected analyst for the NFL Network, didn’t let the matter rest there. A few hours later, he posted another message: "I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done!!!" Smith’s response was a powerful rebuttal, highlighting the respect and camaraderie he still holds for his former teammates, even in the face of a dismal record.
A History of Tension and Success
Smith and Newton spent three seasons together in Carolina, from 2011 to 2013, and while they occasionally butted heads, they also shared significant moments of success. Newton’s rookie year in 2011 was nothing short of exceptional, earning him the AP Rookie of the Year award and laying the foundation for what would become a more competitive Panthers team. He continued to develop, culminating in a 2015 MVP season where he threw for 45 touchdowns and led the Panthers to a 15-1 regular-season record and a Super Bowl appearance. Despite the team’s ultimate loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, Newton’s leadership and performance were undeniable.
Newton’s Legacy in Carolina
Newton’s tenure with the Panthers spanned 10 of his 11 NFL seasons, making him a franchise cornerstone. He holds the record for the most passing yards and touchdown passes in Carolina’s history, a testament to his impact and longevity. As the starting quarterback, Newton compiled a 68-60-1 record, the second-best winning percentage in franchise history among quarterbacks with at least 25 starts, just behind Jake Delhomme, who led the team to its first Super Bowl in 2003. Newton’s years were marked by both high points and low points, but his contributions to the team’s resurgence cannot be overstated.
The 2010 Panthers: A Tough Season
The 2010 Panthers, with a 2-14 record, were indeed a struggling team. Smith, who was part of that roster, faced significant challenges, particularly due to the inconsistency at the quarterback position. Despite his individual talent and hard work, the team’s overall performance made it difficult for any player to shine. However, Smith’s response underscores a fundamental respect for the efforts and dedication of his teammates, even in a season where the victories were few and far between. His defense of the "52 losers" speaks to a deep sense of brotherhood and a refusal to let past struggles be defined solely by their record.
Moving Forward with Respect
When a fan on X suggested that Smith has been critical of the Panthers in the past, he acknowledged his past frustrations but firmly stated, "I’ve never backed down from my words. However calling the men in the locker room losers isn’t slander it’s disrespectful! I disliked a lot of things that happened w/ my time there. But calling men losers naw." This response highlights the complex dynamics of team sports and the personal connections that extend beyond wins and losses. While Newton’s comments may have been intended to convey the pressure of leading a team out of a slump, they were received as a significant slight by a loyal teammates like Smith. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and understanding in the world of professional sports, where the bonds between teammates can be as strong as the rivalries they face on the field.
