Cam Newton’s run at ESPN has reportedly come to an end, and the former Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015 NFL MVP has been let go after appearing regularly on First Take over the past two years, according to OutKick’s Bobby Burack.
ESPN has not publicly shared details about Newton’s reported departure.
Newton joined the show’s rotating panel after building an audience through his own digital platform and podcasts.
The reported move comes months after Newton welcomed Jason Whitlock onto his podcast. During their conversation, Whitlock questioned whether Smith’s memoir included fabrications, and Newton did not contest those claims during the interview.
ProFootballTalk reported that the episode “may have caused Smith to sour on Newton,” though no direct connection between the conversation and Newton’s reported exit has been confirmed.
Newton’s ESPN role was largely tied to First Take, where Smith serves as the lead personality and executive producer.
The former quarterback has not publicly addressed the report, and he has continued to produce content through his popular Funky Friday podcast and other ventures since his NFL playing career slowed.
Newton spent most of his professional career with the Panthers after being selected first overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He led Carolina to Super Bowl 50 during his MVP season.
