ESPN hires former NFL MVP as analyst

Jan. 4, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN logo prior to the 2011 Sugar Bowl between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton has landed a big new job in the sports media world.

ESPN announced on Thursday that the network has hired Newton to appear as a regular analyst on “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. The former NFL MVP will make his debut with the show at Tennessee State on Friday for the “First Take” HBCU roadshow.

“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”

While Newton has not formally retired from football, he last played in 2021. Newton has since found success with his own “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” show, where he has shown that he is not afraid to be honest and deliver unpopular takes . That approach is likely what appealed to Smith and ESPN.

Newton, 35, had his best years with the Carolina Panthers from 2011-2019. He was named NFL MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 that year, where they lost to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Injuries then derailed Newton’s career, and he spent an unsuccessful season with the Patriots in 2020 before returning for a brief stint in Carolina in 2021.

Newton will now be part of the regular “First Take” rotation, which also features Shannon Sharpe, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and other guests.

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