Even though he doesn’t get enough respect, Cam Newton is considered one of the most talented and physically imposing quarterbacks in NFL history.
He also became a legend in college after leading a subpar Auburn team to a National Championship.
That’s why it’s not much of a surprise to see him ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s list of the greatest college football quarterbacks of the past 24 years.
He trails only Baker Mayfield and is followed by Vince Young, Tim Tebow, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Marcus Mariota, and Robert Griffin III.
However, he doesn’t agree with that ranking.
Talking on his “4th and 1” podcast, he claimed that there’s no way that Mayfield should be No. 1, simply because he never won a championship.
.@CameronNewton reacts to ESPN’s list of top college football QBs since 2000 pic.twitter.com/SxCpg9vFdc
— 4thand1show (@4thand1show) March 2, 2024
Instead, he gave the nod to Young, remembering what he was able to do in the Rose Bowl when he had 267 passing yards, 200 rushing yards, and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score.
He never won a Heisman, as he finished second behind USC legend Reggie Bush.
Notably, Newton later gave the nod to Johnny Manziel, claiming that he was snubbed from the list and praising him for the unmatched impact he had as a sensation.
Manziel did win a Heisman but was unable to win a National Championship, but he was the biggest sensation in the college football scene by a landslide during his time, so this is an interesting debate.
Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a reach to put Newton himself at the top of this list, but there are plenty of good candidates to choose from.
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