Auburn's Cam Newton making the most of his second opportunity
After his arrest in Gainesville, FL, in November 2008 on charges in connection with a stolen laptop, Cam Newton’s career as a Division 1 athlete seemed to come to an end. As the legal system played its course, it was learned that Newton had indeed purchased the laptop from a seller he believed was legitimate. However, with his name and reputation tarnished, Newton and his family decided it best to part ways with the University of Florida and transfer from the school. In January 2009, Netwon enrolled at Blinn College. Embracing his new opportunity, he joined Blinn’s football team and guided them to last year’s NJCAA National Football Championship. In late December, Newton announced that he would return to Division 1 football in 2010 at Auburn University.
It hasn’t taken long for Newton to make his mark at Auburn as the junior has already been named SEC Player of the Week twice in the young season’s first four weeks. He was also the recipient of last week’s Davey O’Brien Quarterback of the Week award. In last Saturday’s marquee top-20 game against South Carolina, Newton carried Auburn on his back, accounting for all five Auburn touchdowns. While many have praised Newton for his agile, yet powerful running, it was his skillful dissection of the Gamecock secondary through the air that had many in the SEC and the nation raving about Auburn’s new weapon.
Though names such as Mark Ingram, Patrick Peterson, Ryan Mallett, and Randall Cobb are tossed around when talking about the most valuable players in the SEC, Cam Newton has shown himself to be worthy as tops on this list. Without Newton, Auburn would more than likely be 2-2 at this point in the season. Other than Newton, no other quarterback in Auburn history has thrown for two or more touchdowns in each of the first four games of the season. He also leads the SEC in rushing (485) and passing efficiency (182.46).
Newton’s name is slowly becoming mentioned more when talking about the Heisman Trohpy. While Michigan’s Denard Robinson has established himself as the early favorite, Newton’s first four games have been far more impressive when considering the competition. He is more polished as a passer, making him a true dual-threat. In the ultra-competitive SEC West, the Newton led Tigers are a formidable opponent and contender in the conference.
Newton’s story is one of redemption, one of inspiration. While his road to Auburn was filled with twists and turns, he’s learned so much more about life than football along his journey. We so often hear about disgraced athletes and their many troubles, yet we hardly hear about the ones who use their mistakes as motivation and make the most of their second chances. Regardless of how the rest of Newton’s season plays out, he’s already accomplished more than enough to be proud of.
As the great poet, Robert Frost, said in The Road Less Traveled, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”. While Newton’s road has been the one less traveled, it’s been a journey that has defined who he is, and for that, we can all find inspiration in it.
