Cam Newton sends message to college athletes amid massive changes in NIL era

Cam Newton or Johnny Manziel weren’t able to take advantage of NIL when they were still playing. Now far removed from their own playing days, the two former college football superstars took the opportunity to remind today’s players to be grateful and ready for everything that comes with the new influx of dollars throughout the game.

Newton sat down with Manziel on an episode of “Glory Daze” last week. That discussion covered several topics about their respective careers, as well as the modern-day impact of name, image, and likeness. With that, Newton delivered a serious message to today’s current college athletes about appreciating the era they’re playing in.

“I just hope, and this message goes to any collegiate athlete, male or female. You’re reaping the benefits today that, once upon a time, somebody was suspended for and they lost their whole eligibility,” Newton said. “Having five-touchdown games, six-touchdown games and going back to your dorm and, like, begging for a pizza, or begging just – bro, like. Taking all the Gatorades and the Powerades (from the facility), just stashing them.

“Like, these were survival tactics as an athlete during that time that you had to do to survive, knowing that your effort and energy and blood and everything went towards propelling a university. And, I get it. Trust. I do get it.”

NIL began back in July 2021, and revenue-sharing is now coming to college athletics following the approval of the House v. NCAA settlement. That paved the way for millions of dollars to be paid directly to student-athletes beginning July 1. Of the athletes who weren’t able to earn money from NIL in their own college careers, Newton and Manziel make the case as two former high-profile SEC quarterbacks and Heisman Trophy winners that certainly could have made the most had NIL been available.

Because of these changes during the 2020s, Newton knows there’s really no such thing as amateurism anymore. Once players really get close to the high school level, they become professionals in regards to name, image, and likeness – with pressure and criticism coming with those dollars as well.

“I think amateur athletics is dead,” Newton continued. “It goes, really, middle school, rec ball to semi-pro because you can now start getting NIL in high school. And then, right after high school, you’re a professional athlete.

“By no means am I saying that they should not get paid but what I am saying is you have to make sure, above the head, you’re able to be mature enough to walk in whatever comes with the expectation. Because, bro, it’s wild,” Newton added. “Like, three million dollars at 17, 18. You know, financially, you’re rich. Realistically, you’re broke, though, and that’s the danger.”

A lot of past college athletes, especially the ones who didn’t go on to be pros, can’t even imagine the money that the ones in the modern day are making. Still, with what all else comes with those commas, Newton and Manziel both warned them to be wary about it all.