by: Steve Samra 6 hours ago SamraSource
Former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram believes one of the most dominant seasons in college football history would have translated into an unprecedented payday in today’s NIL era.
Speaking on The Triple Option Podcast , Ingram said Cam Newton would have commanded a staggering $10 million if NIL and the transfer portal had existed during his legendary 2010 season at Auburn .
“What he did at Auburn, taking them undefeated, the personality that he had, the player he was — if he would have gone to the portal, he would have commanded $10 million,” Ingram stated.
Ingram’s comments underscore just how transformative Newton was during his lone season with the Auburn Tigers. The campaign that still stands as one of the greatest individual performances the sport has ever seen.
Newton recently reflected on that historic run while appearing on ESPN’s First Take , ahead of having his No. 2 jersey immortalized at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a moment he described as both humbling and emotional.
“What a time to be alive for me,” Newton said. “Man, I’m grateful. This is a surreal moment for me, and I just want this to be a testament and a testimony for athletes to realize that hard work still pays.”
Newton emphasized that his success was built on preparation, discipline and trust in those around him: “When it came to the game of football, I never cheated,” Newton added. “I did everything that the people I needed to listen to told me to do, and I just wanted to execute.”