by: Nick Schultz 5 hours ago NickSchultz_7
Ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ home playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, a franchise great returned. Cam Newton returned and pounded the drum before kickoff.
Newton is the last quarterback to lead the Panthers to the playoffs when they secured a Wild Card spot in 2017. He spent nine years in Carolina before returning to the franchise in 2021, and during that time, he made three Pro Bowls. He also won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and was the league MVP in 2015.
Saturday afternoon, he was back at Bank of America Stadium as part of the pregame festivities. He got a resounding ovation from the fans in attendance, as well.
CAM NEWTON POUNDS THE DRUM! ️
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gmdtWBUITG
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2026
The Panthers selected Newton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Auburn , where he won the Heisman Trophy. He immediately made his presence known in the NFL as he put up some of the best numbers of his career.
Newton threw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns as a rookie to make a Pro Bowl and win Offensive Rookie of the Year. During his MVP season in 2015, he had 3,837 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, to 10 interceptions, while adding 636 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.