Cam Newton: The hits and misses

Cam Newton’s journey from Tim Tebow’s understudy to the brink of Super Bowl stardom hasn’t always been smooth, and here we recount some of his biggest hits and misses;

THE MISSES

Nov. 21, 2008: Laptop-gate

Few folks remember Newton started his college career at the University of Florida, backing up Tim Tebow. His career there was derailed by an arrest in connection with the theft of a laptop. A student reported it stolen and authorities traced it to Newton when he used it to log on to the school’s computer system. The incident led to Newton leaving UF then resurfacing at a junior college in Texas to begin the long climb back to major college football.

Oct. 21, 2012: No, sweetheart

Six games into his sophomore pro season, Newton and his team were slumping. A loss to the Dallas Cowboys dropped them to 1-5 and Newton, the team’s leader and default spokesman, was out of explanations. When a female reporter questioned him about it at a post-game news conference, a sarcastic Newton said he might leave a suggestion box for reporters.

“The only thing I control, sweetheart, is myself.”

Here’s a suggestion: Don’t call female reporters sweetheart.

THE HITS

Jan. 10, 2011: Championship Cam

Two years after leaving Florida, Newton hit the college football scene hard, leading the Auburn Tigers to a 13-0 overall record while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns. In December 2010, Newton won the Heisman and the following month he led Auburn to a 22-19 win over Oregon to claim the national title.

Dec. 20, 2015: Peak Newton

By Week 15 of the regular season, the Panthers’ winning streak had reached 14 games. The club’s dramatic 38-35 win over the New York Giants strengthened that momentum. Newton completed 25 of 45 passes. But he also posted 340 yards and five touchdowns without an interception, then rushed for another 100 yards. Morgan Campbell