Auburn set to retire Cam Newton’s jersey during Georgia game

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Cam Newton at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. (Austin Perryman / Auburn Tigers)

Cam Newtwon may have played just one season on The Plains, but it was arguably the best individual season in college football history.

And that’s why the Tigers are putting his name + jersey number among the other greats in program history.

At halftime of Saturday’s 130th renewal of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, Auburn will retire Newton’s No. 2 jersey, making him the fourth player in program history to be so honored, joining Pat Sullivan, Terry Beasley and Bo Jackson.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s an honor. When I say I appreciate this, I really do. It’s a kid’s dream come true. I’m a dreamer, always been one. You couldn’t even create a greater story… I didn’t know the impact that Auburn would have on me being a kid from Atlanta. No one knew the desire to really bring something to this town that will never be forgotten.”

Cam Newton
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The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton” by Chris Pusateri Photography is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Auburn fans will certainly never forget Newton’s 2010 season but the lore of Cam Newton goes well beyond The Plains. On a national level, its often talked about in the greatest individual seasons of all time alongside Joe Burrow’s 2019 season and Barry Sanders’ 1988 season.

His accolades from one season with the Tigers included:

  • Heisman Trophy
  • BCS National Championship
  • SEC Championship
  • Walter Camp Award
  • Maxwell Award
  • Manning Award
  • Davey O’Brien Award
  • AP National Player of the Year

Newton was the first player in SEC history to pass for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season. He finished with 4,369 yards of total offense + 51 total touchdowns.

“Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player. Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.”

John Cohen, Auburn AD

Newton accounted for four touchdowns in a dominant win over Georgia in 2010, which was quickly followed up by the infamous “Cam-back” in the Iron Bowl.

He went on to be the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and won the 2015 NFL MVP award. Newton made three Pro Bowl appearances during his 11-year pro career.

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Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
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