Cam Newton is stepping into a new role with ESPN, the network announced on Thursday. As part of his contract, the 2015 NFL MVP will join ESPN’s morning show First Take, which features Stephen A. Smith, Hall of Fame football star Shannon Sharpe, and radio host Chris Mad Dog Russo.
Newton is set to make his ESPN debut this Friday when First Take broadcasts from Tennessee State University as part of its HBCU fall tour.
“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton stated. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”
This move aligns with Cam Newton’s larger ambition of creating a media empire. Currently, he has more than 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube and has expressed his desire to become the most well-known athlete-turned-YouTuber.
At 35, Newton spent a decade playing for the Carolina Panthers and another season with the New England Patriots. He hasn’t appeared in the NFL since 2021. Although he previously mentioned he was open to returning as a backup, he recently admitted on his podcast that, in his view, his football career is over.
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Win the press release. That’s the approach taken by network executives when staffing high-profile debate shows, whether in sports or politics. When bringing in a new personality to engage with a permanent cast, they want someone familiar to viewers and capable of stirring the conversation.
Cam Newton fits that role perfectly. He’s been in the spotlight for years, first as an All-American at Auburn, then as a game-changing NFL quarterback. Additionally, he’s no stranger to media, having hosted his own podcast.
Newton’s segments are sure to go viral. Some will provoke outrage; others will entertain. That’s the nature of the content game. Hiring personalities like Newton for shows such as First Take is a low-cost investment for Disney, and if executives believe he can boost ratings, it’s an easy decision. — Richard Deitsch, senior media reporter
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