In one incredible year at Auburn in 2010, Cam Newton led the Tigers to a historic season. Now, almost 15 years later, the program will honor the iconic QB by retiring his no. 2 jersey.
Earlier this week, in a video posted by the team, Newton learned of the honor from Athletic Director John Cohen and Deputy AD Tim Jackson.
“You know, everybody honors their greats, their legends in different ways,” Jackson said to a surprised Newton. “Even though the number 2 hasn’t been worn since you wore it against Oregon in the National Championship Game, technically, it could be.”
Cohen then stepped in and delivered the exciting news to an unexpecting Newton.
“I think what Tim’s trying to say is…ain’t nobody going to wear number two from here on out, because we’re retiring your number, brother.”
It was a joyous and emotional moment for Newton, and a much deserved and long-awaited one as well for what Newton did in that single season in 2010 was incredible.
As the team’s starting quarterback that season, Cam led the Tigers to a perfect 14-0 season, one in which they won the national title by defeating Oregon 22-19 in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.
That was the team’s first national title since 1957
That year, Cam amassed 4,369 total yards (2,854 passing, 1,473 rushing, 42 receiving) and 51 total touchdowns (30 passing, 20 rushing, 1 receiving). That stat line, coupled with the team’s undefeated season, earned him the 2010 Heisman Trophy.
His full resume for that single season includes National Champion, Heisman winner, Consensus All-American, First-team All-SEC, SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Walter Camp Award winner.
An incredible season, especially considering that in his two years at Florida, he only played in 6 total games, throwing for a paltry 54 yards and 0 TDs while rushing for 113 total yards and 4 TDs.
After that season, Cam was selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011 NFL Draft and he went on to become Offensive Rookie of the Year, League MVP (2015), a 3x Pro Bowler and 1x All-Pro. He also led the Panthers to the Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where they lost to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
While he will always be recognized by NFL fans for his time in Carolina, Auburn is equally, if not more, special.
“Auburn will always be home to me,” said Cam after learning his jersey was to be retired. “The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment and to have my jersey retired alongside legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley is an incredible honor that I’ll cherish forever. War Eagle!”
Auburn will officially retire his jersey on October 11th.
