Former MVP Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton Joins ESPN’s ‘First Take’
Cam Newton is entering into a new phase when it comes to the world of football. The 2011 first-round draft pick NFL star had a decade-long career of extreme highs and profound lows. In 2015 he was awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player and NFL Offensive Player of the Year just two of his many career accolades. Although he has not announced an official statement about his retirement, it has been 3 years since he played in the league. Even though he is not on the field, he is by no means sitting at home doing nothing. Since his departure from the NFL he has kept himself busy by becoming a media personality, staying visible as the host of his podcast series “Funk Friday”. His outrageous fashion choices keep him as a trending topic all over social media.
Cam Newton Joins First Take
Expanding his already extensive resume, he can now add another job to the list. He scored a major deal with ESPN’s weekday series First Take. He is now an official commentator on the hit morning show alongside hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.
In a statement from David Roberts (executive vice president at ESPN) he said about the big news “Cam Newton’s addition to ‘First Take’ brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities, His dynamic charisma, combined with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-watch television for fans.”
His first appearance on the show was Friday, October 11th for the HBCU roadshow shooting on location at Tennessee State University.
Ranking The 5 Best Thanksgiving Football Game Traditions
4. The Local High School Game
When you come home from college for the holiday the first public appearance you can’t wait to make is at your alma matter high school game. Often this matchup is against a local rival or bordering town. The game might even be one-sided but it signifies being home, roaming your old stomping grounds, and seeing people you haven’t connected with in long time. Maybe you don’t even pay attention to the game, but it is still the place to be in town.
Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images
3. The Egg Bowl - Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State
In certain college markets, college football reigns king. Granted there is no NFL team in the state, but nonetheless, certain games mean more than others regardless of your record. Ole Miss vs. Mississippi is one of them. This has become one of college football’s great traditions where these two major programs face off on Thanksgiving Day. They switch each year who serves as the host. Bragging rights and massive amounts of pride are on the line. This year, the game takes place in Starkville (Miss. State) at David Wade Stadium. It has a lot to live up to, with last year’s battle being a 24-22 game, that saw the Bulldogs beat the Rebels (both with a 8-4 record).
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images
#1. The Backyard Game That You Play In
Much of this feature focuses on high-profile games that include professional players. Nowadays, even some college players are branded as millionaire entertainers and influencers. However, that traditional pick-up game you play within your own community takes our number one spot. Whether you are returning to the town you grew up with to play an annual game of two-hand-touch, or forming a new game in town you just moved to, there’s something unspoken and special about neighborhood Thanksgiving football game. You hop a rusty fence wearing an oversized jersey down to your knees. Either your teams are set way in advance or they are spur-of-the-moment, decided by a quick game of rock, paper, scissors. Then, you’re either covered in dirt or sliding all over the grass because you wore sneakers. You never know who is going to win, but you do know, you will be laughing from start to finish.
