The writing has been on the wall for some time now and the Carolina Panthers made it official today. The Panthers have released Cam Newton. GM Marty Hurney was the only person from the front office to provide a quote in the press release announcing the release of the 2015 MVP.
The writing has been on the wall for some time now and the Carolina Panthers made it official today. The Panthers have released Cam Newton. GM Marty Hurney was the only person from the front office to provide a quote in the press release announcing the release of the 2015 MVP.
“Cam has meant a lot to this organization and the Carolinas,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching. He’s the ultimate competitor and it physically hurts him to lose. He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise. His contributions to this team, this community and the game of football will leave a lasting impact on our organization.”
After nine seasons with the Panthers, Newton leaves as the franchise record holder in several categories: all-time leader in passing yards (29,041), passing touchdowns (182), pass attempts (3,980), pass completions (2,371), 300-yard passing games (19), rushing touchdowns (58) and wins by a quarterback (68).
Newton made an immediate splash and was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after he established a single-season NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (14) and became the first player in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 500 yards in a single season. Newton made the Pro Bowl three times; 2011, 2013, and 2015. In 2015, he became the first player in franchise history to be named AP NFL Most Valuable Player and added AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Newton is now a free agent for the first time in his career. Prior to the announcement of Newton’s release, Adam Schefter revealed that the quarterback had passed the physical coordinated by the Panthers in Atlanta on Monday.
