It took a while for Cam Newton to find a new NFL home this season. Once he did, it did not take him very long to score a touchdown.
Newton, on his very first snap during his second stint with the Carolina Panthers, rolled right on a 2nd & goal situation to score a touchdown and, quite literally, let the NFL know he was back.
"I'm baaaaack." – Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/HkYRpd3CB6
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 14, 2021
“I’m baaaaack,” exclaimed Newton.
Not only did it put the Panthers up 7-0 on the Arizona Cardinals, but the touchdown also bumped the 2015 NFL MVP up the Panthers’ list of most scrimmage touchdowns in franchise history.
Newton’s return to the NFL was marked by an exciting score and followed by the kind of big personality celebration that we’ve come to expect from him. It was certainly the kind of moment that NFL fans took notice of, especially in the face of the league’s recent crackdown on what it considers taunting or excessive celebrations. And for the record, Cam was called for unsportsmanlike conduct on the score.
this is good, @NFL. we like this. https://t.co/Hicdb7n8L7
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) November 14, 2021
NFL refs having another banner day. Calling Cam Newton for unsportsmanlike conduct for yelling “I’m back.” Why the #NFL doesn’t address this is beyond me. Plain and simple hubris.
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) November 14, 2021
We’ll see how much more action Newton gets on the day as PJ Walker remains the starter for the time being. However, all signs point to Newton taking the helm at some point. And clearly, Matt Rhule and Carolina are ready to put No. 1 back out on the field to see what else he can do. He is back, after all.
UPDATE: Newton followed that up by throwing for another touchdown. He’s back-back now.