Cam Newton's recent comments on a podcast, where he labeled the Carolina Panthers as "losers" prior to his arrival in 2011, have sparked a heated response from former teammate Steve Smith Sr. The remarks stirred controversy, particularly with Smith, who was a member of the Panthers team that recorded a 2-14 season before Newton's debut. Smith, known for his candidness, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent with Newton's statement.
Smith, a key player in the Panthers' journey to Super Bowl 50 in 2015, did not hold back in his response. He posted an angry face emoji accompanied by the phrase "Wow… breaking news to 89." Smith has never shied away from voicing his opinions about the Panthers, but he emphasized that calling teammates "losers" crossed a line of respect.
"I've never backed down from my words. However calling the men in the lockeroom losers isn't slander it's disrespectful!" – Steve Smith Sr.
Newton, who spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, holds franchise records in both passing yards and touchdown passes. His tenure included an MVP-winning season in 2015, where he led the team to a near-perfect 15-1 regular season record. Despite their shared history and occasional clashes during their three seasons together from 2011 to 2013, Newton and Smith's dynamic has now surfaced publicly.
The quarterback's comments arose during a discussion about the pressures Travis Hunter might face if selected as the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Newton highlighted the unique impact quarterbacks have on games.
"You could potentially be the first pick, but, bro, you have no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does," – Cam Newton
Smith, meanwhile, remains a significant figure in Panthers history as their most productive receiver and was recently named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2025. He did not mince words in his online rebuttal to Newton's assessment of their former teammates.
"53 man lockeroom – 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89" – Steve Smith Sr.
Newton has yet to respond to Smith's pointed remarks. The tension between these two Panthers icons underscores the passion and pride they both hold for their contributions to the team.
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