Months before he became the No. 1 pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL draft, Cam Newton talked about a bold plan for what he wanted to become.
“I see myself not only as a football player,” Newton said, “but an entertainer and icon.”
There was a collective eye roll and groan in the NFL. Who does this 21-year-old kid who’s never played a down of pro football think he is?
Now, five years later, Newton may not yet be an icon, but he’s certainly an entertainer and a football player good enough to lead the Carolina Panthers into the playoffs Sunday against Seattle as the soon-to-be-named most valuable player.