Cam Newton was initially a member of the Florida Gators before transferring to Blinn College and later to Auburn University. He became just the third player in major college history to both rush and pass for 20 or more touchdownds in a single season. In 2011 he won the Heisman Trophy and led Auburn to their second national championship in school history. 

He was later ther first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Newton became the third player in history to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and be the first overall pick in the NFL draft all in the same one year span.

In his NFL debut, Newton became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in his NFL regular season opener. He was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, the Sporting News Rookie of the Year, and was named to the Pro Bowl.