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Cam Newton’s tenure with the only NFL team he’s ever known may very well be done after the team announced Tuesday that they’ve put their three-time Pro Bowl quarterback on season-ending injured reserve.
In a Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay, Newton aggravated the Lisfranc injury he suffered in the third preseason game and has not returned to full health, as confirmed by famed foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson.
Newton, who lost eight straight games dating back to last season, was replaced by second-year undrafted quarterback Kyle Allen, who is 5-1 as the starter this season and 6-1 in his career. It doesn’t take an NFL GM to come to the conclusion that the writing is likely on the wall for the 30-year-old former league MVP, who has one year left on his contract.
Despite the frustrating turn of events, Newton has been nothing but graceful in his handling of the situation, responding to an Instagram post by the Panthers, saying that “Charlotte & @panthers will forever be in my heart !! I will work my tail off to be stronger, faster, SMARTER, AND ACCURATER for you guys !! until then I will continue to support the hell out of the @panthers and for @kyle_allen and @willgrier7 !!”
Allen, who has now officially been given the keys to the castle, posted an Instagram photo of his own praising Newton’s perpetual leadership throughout his recovery.
I watched this man do everything in his power to come back from his injury. I watched him lead and be a great teammate day in day out.
Thank you for setting the example. We got you ✊🏼
Newton responded to the post, saying, “Here for you my killa!!”
This doesn’t appear to just be posturing by the competing quarterbacks. If Cam Newton’s latest Instagram post is any indication, the three Carolina QBs are like three peas in a pod.
The caption (cutting through Newton’s signature batshit crazy font): ‘A wise man once said…wish others well; their* success will not limit yours.’
Good on you, Cam.