Former Panthers star Cam Newton refuses to back down from ‘locker room of losers’ comments
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton is not shying away from his recent criticism of his former Carolina Panthers teammates. Newton, who spent the majority of his 11-year NFL career with the Panthers after being drafted first overall in 2011, made headlines when he referred to the locker room he entered as a rookie as a room full of “losers.”
In a recent episode of his podcast, “4th&1 with Cam Newton,” the 2015 NFL MVP stood by his remarks, calling them “aggressive” but also “true.” He expressed frustration with the sensitivity surrounding his comments, stating, “When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is? A locker room full of losers? Aggressive, but it’s true.”
During an interview with Colorado football star Travis Hunter, Newton explained that he felt the Panthers lacked a winning mentality when he first arrived. He pointed out that the team had finished with a dismal 2-14 record and that many players didn’t know how to prepare or take themselves seriously.
Newton’s former teammate, Steve Smith, took issue with his comments, calling out the quarterback on social media. Smith, who played for the Panthers from 2001-2013 and is a finalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame, expressed disappointment in Newton’s remarks.
Despite the backlash, Newton clarified that he was referring to the overall culture of the team and not individual players. He acknowledged the progress the Panthers made during his tenure, culminating in a 15-1 season in 2015 that led them to the Super Bowl.
Newton emphasized that his intention was not to take credit for turning the team around but to highlight the reality of joining a struggling franchise as the No. 1 draft pick. He maintained that his comments were factual and meant to provide insight to young players like Hunter, who may face similar challenges in the NFL.
As the debate continues within the football community, Newton remains unapologetic for his candid assessment of his former team. Whether his remarks will lead to further discussions about team culture and leadership in the NFL remains to be seen.
