It’s no secret that Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers has had a phenomenal season this year. Winning the Most Valuable Player Award, throwing 35 touchdown passes, losing only one game throughout the regular season and leading his team to the Super Bowl are just a few of the accolades. I’m not an ESPN analyst nor do I love football, but Newton has proven himself to be an extraordinary athlete.
At 6’5”, Cam could be considered imposing purely due to his height, but what some people are really intimidated by is his personality and his mindset of being unapologetically black and skilled. Being young, black, talented and proud of what you have accomplished is a dangerous thing in this world. Not everyone can appreciate or understand it. The media, along with others who criticize Newton, can’t seem to comprehend that there is simply nothing wrong with what he is doing.
So why is he important? There are many great black athletes in the NFL and in the world, but none are in the position of Newton. Cam Newton is one of few black starting quarterbacks in the NFL and, in addition, is playing at a high caliber. Even with his stellar play, the media hasn’t focused on his achievements. Rather, it has focused on everything else about him. From dabbing in the end-zone to his sometimes-lavish wardrobe, the media has been creating this image of a controversial figure. In short, they don’t like him because he’s a quarterback who is black, talented and dances.
Of course, not all people criticize him for his dancing or his personality, nor do they care that he is black. But for those who do, there is one thing that they need to understand: he is more than just a black quarterback that dances. He is a symbol for a black people. I cannot speak for all black people but for many us, to see a black man perform at such a high level in a position of leadership that is predominantly filled by white men is nothing short of inspirational. Newton is in a position where he not only has to carry his team—and, like most quarterbacks, has a responsibility to his fans—but most likely feels the weight of his people in addition to everything else.
When my friends and I discuss football and Cam Newton comes up in the conversation, there is no doubt that he is more than just an incredible quarterback. He symbolizes that there is nothing wrong with being black and successful and showing it. When someone works hard for their success, gives back to their community as he does with the Cam Newton Foundation, and inspires others, there shouldn’t be any issue. Yet even with all of this effort on his part, some fail to see the positivity behind the image he is putting forth.
More importantly, those who try to paint an image of Newton as being a vulgar or an inappropriate figure need to understand that they are not just criticizing him. They are sending a message to young black kids everywhere that you can’t be black and proud. I could understand if Newton was infamous for social fiascos off the field and was constantly in trouble with the law, like Johnny Manziel, but that’s not the case. Newton’s biggest critics will tell you that he is being cocky for dancing after a touchdown. On the contrary, nothing was said when Aaron Rodgers did his signature celebration or when Tim Tebow took his signature knee. By trying to tarnish Cam Newton’s reputation, people are reinforcing the mindset in society that being black, proud and successful is not acceptable. However, the reality of the situation is that Newton continues to inspire black youth in a positive way. Although he is young and still has much to learn about the game, he is letting kids know that being yourself in the face of adversity is just fine.
I’m not 6’5”, I can’t throw a football 100 yards and my dab looks a little funny, but when I see Cam Newton doing what he does, I’m even more proud of being black and striving for success. And if what he is doing still makes people mad, too bad. They don’t make band aids for feelings.