Cam Newton is known for his unfiltered honesty. So those learning and taking tips from him can be sure that he will give them a harsh reality check rather than roses and a Cinderella story.
That’s what happened two years ago in April 2023, when the 2010 Heisman winner was blunt in his statements for those looking to change their fortunes around by getting to the pros.
He addressed a bunch of high school students, saying that even though one may feel valued when college coaching greats like Nick Saban and Kirby Smart visits them, it’s the athletes who need them more than the coach needs them.
“You think Kirby Smart needs you? You think Nick Saban needs you? You’re stupid,” Newton said. “You’re going to Tennessee—half y’all going to schools that don’t even offer you.”
Newton further said that they don’t need to show off their skill-sets on social media and rather, those interested will find them instead.
“If you’re good, it don’t matter where you go,” Newton said. “They’re gonna find you. I promise you that.
Cam urged players to “put yourself first,” encouraging them to choose programs that believe in them. Top programs will always put themselves first and have their top players out each game.
“A lot of y’all want to go to the Alabamas, the North Carolinas, the North Carolina States,” Newton said. “Y’all gonna be there for four years and never have a meaningful game — ‘But I got a catch, though. It was senior day… playing!’ Relax, bro. You’d better go somewhere where you gotta put yourself first.
“Because when you play for that G, when you play for that A, when you play for that T, when you play for that AU—bro, they’re putting themselves first. They’re bulletproof.
Nothing and no one will ever—I got you—will ever mess up their situation. Whether a quarterback, receiver, DB, nothing. Coach, man—those schools are bulletproof. So to think that they want me, they need me? Bad for us. They don’t need you,” he added.
How Cam Newton Elevates High School Athletes
In order to help high school athletes, Cam Newton founded his C1N organization in 2011 (also known as TopShelf Performance). He hosted 7-on-7 football tournaments, comprising skills, drills, mentorship and real exposure. In 2019 alone, 85 high school teams (~2,000 players) competed in these regional showcases across the Southeast.
Notable alum include NFL-caliber talents like Justin Fields, Deshaun Watson, Bo Nix, Georgia tight end George Pickens, and Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
Moreover, Newton is not on proxy. He personally meets this young players and attends their practise, drills and lives the experience as a player.
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