Auburn University is preparing to pay homage to one of its football greats, Cam Newton, by retiring his No. 2 jersey during an upcoming clash with the Georgia Bulldogs. As reported by FOX5 Atlanta, this ceremony is set to take place on October 11, notably making Newton only the fourth player in the history of Auburn football to receive this tribute.
Newton's accomplishments on the field have solidified his legacy, particularly the 2010 season that saw him lead the Tigers to a pristine 14–0 record, the SEC Championship, and the BCS National Championship. The Atlanta native's rise from Westlake High School to college football stardom and then to NFL MVP status is a tale of talent and tenacity. “Auburn will always be home to me," Newton said, in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, expressing his honor at the jersey retirement.
The retirement of his No. 2 jersey places Newton in the esteemed company of past Auburn legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley. Since the end of the 2010 season, Auburn has not reissued the No. 2, and it will soon officially be reserved in recognition of Newton's impact. Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen highlighted Newton's extraordinary season, saying, “Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time."
Following his college success, Newton went on to have an 11-season run in the NFL where he amassed more than 32,000 yards passing and threw for 194 touchdowns. He also managed to effectively carry the ball himself, scoring 75 rushing touchdowns during his career with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. The jersey retirement event is more than just a nod to Newton's collegiate glories; it's a celebration of an exceptional athlete whose versatility on the field was consistently to deliver explosive performances.
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