Cam Newton Goes Full Media Mode: Inks Multi-Year Deal With ESPN, Expands Role on ‘First Take’—Let the Takes Begin

Cam Newton just made it official—he’s not just a guest anymore. He’s a real-deal ESPN personality now. The former NFL MVP and Auburn legend has signed a multi-year contract with the network, locking in an expanded role on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and company. If you’ve been watching over the past few months, you already know Cam’s appearances have been electric, unpredictable, and straight-up must-watch TV. Well now, they’re about to become a regular thing.

This move isn’t just a good fit—it’s a power play for both sides. Cam brings energy, confidence, and that trademark “Cam swagger” that’s been missing from a lot of sports debate shows lately. ESPN, on the other hand, gets a fresh and authentic voice that not only knows the game but isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. When Cam talks, you listen—and when he really gets rolling, even Stephen A. leans in.

Cam’s transition to TV has been surprisingly smooth. Most ex-players either stay bland and politically correct or flame out trying too hard to be controversial. Not Cam. He’s found the perfect balance between being real and being entertaining. He’s unfiltered, but he’s not reckless. He brings bold opinions, but backs them up. And unlike a lot of talking heads, he’s actually done what he’s talking about. He’s played at the highest level. He’s taken hits. He’s led locker rooms. He’s stared down legends. He’s been that guy.

So when he says something about quarterback play, leadership, or pressure? It hits different. Because he’s lived it.

And if you think this is just about football, think again. Cam has shown already that he can talk across the board—NBA, college sports, culture, even media itself. He’s not shy, and he doesn’t care what people think of his outfits or his takes. That’s what makes him such a great addition to First Take. ESPN clearly noticed the buzz his appearances were creating. Whether you agreed with him or not, you were talking about him. And in the world of sports media, that’s the whole point.

Now, ESPN is locking it in. Multi-year. Expanded role. That means we’ll be seeing Cam a lot more often, and not just as a fill-in or special guest. He’s going to be in the regular rotation, debating the day’s biggest stories, going head-to-head with Stephen A., and maybe even hosting some segments of his own.

And let’s be honest—First Take needed this. The show is still a ratings monster, but it’s no secret that it’s been a little stale lately. Stephen A. is still the undisputed king of sports debate, but even the best need the right foil. Max Kellerman had his run, but the chemistry wasn’t always there. Since then, the show has gone with a rotating guest model—sometimes great, sometimes meh.

Cam changes that. He brings a different energy. A different lens. He doesn’t defer. He doesn’t hesitate. He brings charisma, confidence, and a little chaos—which is exactly what the show thrives on.

You also can’t ignore what this means culturally. Cam’s presence on ESPN, front and center, isn’t just about sports. It’s about representation. It’s about authenticity. It’s about breaking the cookie-cutter mold that has dominated TV panels for too long. Cam shows up as himself. Fully. And that matters. For younger athletes. For fans. For viewers who want to see real personalities on screen, not sanitized soundbites.

This move is also another chapter in Cam’s post-NFL evolution. He’s been building this thing slowly—dropping YouTube videos, starting his Funky Friday podcast, doing interviews that go viral, showing up on The Pivot, on Club Shay Shay, and now more and more on ESPN. Some people wrote him off after his last NFL snaps. But Cam’s making it clear—he’s not done. He’s just shifted arenas.

And let’s not forget—he’s still Cam Newton. One of the most dominant college QBs of all time. A Heisman winner. An NFL MVP. A Super Bowl starter. A fashion icon. A polarizing, outspoken, often misunderstood figure who has always done it his way. That same mindset is what’s going to make him dangerous on TV. Because he’s not here to just fill airtime. He’s here to make noise. Make people think. Maybe even change the conversation.

If you’re an Auburn fan, this news probably hits a little different. Cam’s always repped the Tigers hard. He’s still beloved down there. And now, one of their biggest legends is back in the spotlight, giving the Auburn faithful another reason to tune in every week. Don’t be surprised if Auburn football gets a little extra air time on First Take this season. Cam’s going to make sure of that.

And for football fans in general, especially younger ones who came up watching Cam’s prime years—this is just fun. You get to hear from someone who was the highlight reel. Who was the center of attention. Who knows what it feels like to have the whole world watching your every move. That insight is rare, and when it comes with Cam’s personality, it’s gold.

From ESPN’s side, this is a win, plain and simple. It’s been a tricky couple of years with budget cuts, talent shakeups, and changes across the board. But locking in Cam shows that they’re still willing to invest in voices that matter. In personalities who move the needle. In people who don’t just talk sports, but live sports.

If you’re a fan of First Take, get ready. Things are about to get a little louder, a little flashier, and a whole lot more unpredictable. Cam Newton is here to stay, and you already know he’s not coming quietly.

So what’s your take? Are you hyped about Cam’s expanded role on First Take, or are you worried he’ll shake things up too much? Do you think he brings something fresh to the table, or are you still on the fence about athletes jumping into media full-time?

Let us know in the comments right here—we wanna hear from you. Especially if you came here from the post on Facebook, scroll back up there and drop your take too. Is this a win for ESPN? A win for Cam? A win for the culture? Or all of the above?

Either way, get your popcorn ready. Cam’s not playing quarterback anymore—but make no mistake, he’s still calling plays. On camera. And on his own terms.