Photo: Bob Leverone, FRE
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton joins a small number of Black quarterbacks who made it to a Super Bowl. However, Newton has been under extreme scrutiny for being himself. There have been countless think pieces about his touchdown celebrations, his smile, his child, his girlfriend or other asinine things that diminish discussions of his football talent. All of this will be in full force leading up to Super Bowl 50. As sports journalist Jemele Hill points out:
Haters gonna be in rare form the next two weeks 😂😂😂 https://t.co/bloH7KBmCf
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 25, 2016
The fact is that Newton is lively and confident in himself and his team. Many people don’t like that Black athletes aren’t humble and timid. Essentially, sport fans and commentators against him want Newton to be more like Russell Wilson — cool, contained, and “respectable” to the point where he is not very interesting but a great ambassador to the game nonetheless.
While white quarterbacks jump and leap with joy, Newton can’t do so without criticism. Sports journalist Michael Hurley points this hypocrisy out in his tweets:
I can't stand how excited Cam Newton gets. Act like you've been there before!! #CLASSLESS pic.twitter.com/rmAoMaH20J
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2016
I just want to smack that smile off Cam Newton's face! So arrogant!! pic.twitter.com/0DZXmFfv0l
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2016
I absolutely hate how Cam Newton's celebrations seem to be planned ahead of time. pic.twitter.com/80CFjZN36p
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2016
I hate how Cam Newton celebrates so exuberantly. It's disgusting!! pic.twitter.com/SgI2FgR6Dp
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2016
What’s most great about Newton is his undeniable “Blackness.” He isn’t afraid to be himself, to dab, or smile when white people feel uncomfortable. He is “arrogant” because he is talented and he knows it. Newton has not forgotten where he comes from or the things that he loves. He hasn’t forgotten who will support him in the end.
"Be yourself and the world will adjust". From DABBIN to the SB50. Cam Newton the HERO?! https://t.co/KzyJJeMjJy pic.twitter.com/VNMCV0SBQY
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) January 25, 2016
Newton had a rocky college start. After transferring to a community college and winning big there, he went to Auburn and led that team to a National Championship in the 2010-11 season. And now he has a chance to win it all again.
Today it's hard to believe Cam Newton was once Tim Tebow's back-up. pic.twitter.com/M09EMTTw0x
— Jamie L. Melton 📣 (@MrJamieMelton) January 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/misterkaris/status/691465637655355392
https://twitter.com/DanRothDC/status/691668791319605248
https://twitter.com/RM_Preston/status/691479823005290496
https://twitter.com/RM_Preston/status/691479512538812416
Close reading of this image tells me Cam Newton is a class act and an incredible athlete. https://t.co/M3ynuMk7hA pic.twitter.com/Dq8JaINSRG
— Sara K. Ahmed (@SaraKAhmed) January 25, 2016
Cam Newton is a pure form of class for NFL. If you don't think so, you're wrong. pic.twitter.com/IZcHNtwQEz
— Kevin Massare (@KevinMassare) January 17, 2016
If the Panthers win against the Denver Broncos, Newton will be hated even more. But there is a glimmer of hope that fans of all shades will respect his greatness on and off the field.
