Even before Cameron Jerrell Newton stepped onto an NFL field, we knew the dude was different. How could you not?
6-foot-5. 250 pounds. Threw like he had rocket launcher for an arm. Ran like a gazelle. Oh, and he only carried an entire team, mostly otherwise void of pro-level talent, to a 14-0 record and a National Championship while putting together one of the all-time great Heisman Trophy campaigns.
But it was when he suited up with the Carolina Panthers that we found out he was both different and rare. Newton’s overall mix of talent, skill, athleticism and intangibles gave NFL fans a one-of-kind player they’ve never seen before.
With Newton soon to be traded or more likely released, it’s time to appreciate some of his best work on the field.
Here are 11 moments from Newton during his time in Charlotte that made us say “Wow!”
Running Washington Ragged (2011: Week 7 vs. Washington Redskins)
The 2011 No. 1 overall pick made his presence known immediately, passing for 422 yards in his very first career start—an NFL record for a debut game. As an encore, he threw for 432 yards the next week against the defending champion Green Bay Packers.
That impact continued throughout the year, including on this ridiculous 25-yard run.
Newton ended 2011 as the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, entering the history books with the most passing yards in a rookie season (4,051) and most rushing touchdowns by any quarterback in a season (14).
He was only getting started.
Round and Round We Go (2012: Week 14 vs. Atlanta Falcons)
There’s Newton And there’s Corey Peters, a 6-foot-3, 335-pound defensive lineman. And there’s Newton spinning Corey Peters around like a merry-go-round.
Newton rushed for another 102 yards and a score, while throwing for 287 and two touchdowns in a 30-20 win.