Cam Newton, born Cameron Jerrell Newton on May 11, 1989, in College Park, Georgia, is a former professional American football quarterback known for his dynamic playing style combining passing and rushing abilities. He played college football initially at the University of Florida before transferring to Auburn University, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, becoming one of the few players to achieve both honors in the same season[1][2][4][5]. Newton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He made an immediate impact, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and setting multiple rookie records, including passing for over 4,000 yards and rushing for 14 touchdowns in his debut season. His unique dual-threat capability helped redefine the quarterback position. In 2015, Newton earned the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50, where they were defeated by the Denver Broncos[1][3][4]. Over his NFL career, Newton was a three-time Pro Bowler and became one of the league’s most exciting and polarizing players due to his athleticism and media presence. He played primarily for the Panthers from 2011 to 2019 and returned briefly in 2021. In 2020, he signed with the New England Patriots for one season[1][3][4]. Newton is recognized not only for his on-field achievements but also for breaking barriers as an African-American quarterback, joining Steve McNair and Patrick Mahomes as African-American players who have won the AP NFL MVP award[1]. His career has included highs marked by historic performances and lows involving injuries and controversies, but he remains a significant figure in modern NFL history[1][3].