Cam Newton on his growing sports media career: 'I feel like I'm back in school'

Cam Newton continues to grow his sports media career, as he recently signed a multi-year agreement with ESPN and currently co-hosts the BET series 106 & Sports with CBS Sports personality Ashley Nicole Moss. On3 recently spoke to Newton, and he was asked how being on ESPN and 106 & Sports has helped him grow in the sports media world.

“I’m taking all this opportunity as almost like an internship,” Cam Newton told On3. “I feel like I’m back in school because now you have the opportunity to see how other people work. And I think when you see the [Stephen A. Smith]’s when you see the Ashley Nicole’s, when you start to see the Dan Orlovsky‘s, when you start to see so many different individuals’ preparation, and now you try to implement certain things of your own, it just makes you a better person in regards to on-screen talent.”

Newton appears on the ESPN show First Take with Smith. In August, the former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback signed a multi-year agreement with the network to expand his role on the show.

“I am excited to be back with the First Take team and share my voice on all things sports,” Newton said in a press release. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I’ve always admired.”

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In October, 106 & Sports premiered on BET, and it’s a show where Newton and Moss discuss the top stories of the week and interview notable athletes. 106 & Sports is a reimagining of the popular BET series 106 & Park.

“When I think about 106 & Park, I remember how it was a voice for the culture,” Newton said in a press release. “It gave artists and fans a place to connect. Now, we’re doing the same thing for sports. 106 & Sports is where you’ll get the real talk, the authentic insights, and the kind of conversations you won’t find anywhere else. I’m excited to team up with Ashley and BET to build something special, something that honors that legacy while creating a new one.”

Newton played in the NFL from 2011 to 2021. The 36-year-old was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, won the NFL MVP Award in 2015, and led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance during the 2015 season.