For three seasons, National Football League star Cam Newton broke all kinds of records. But this season the Carolina Panthers quarterback has his sights set on much bigger things.
While Newton, 25, would like nothing more than to bring the franchise its first-ever Lombardi Trophy, his biggest concern off the field is his foundation, the Cam Newton Foundation, which provides resources to underserved children and communities. That’s why the two-time Pro Bowler has teamed up with Drakkar, in anticipation of the launch of the company’s new fragrance Drakkar Essence, to create a social media campaign benefitting Newton’s foundation.
For every social media post containing #ShowYourPower, Drakkar Essence will donate $5 to the Cam Newton Foundation. Fans are encouraged to do their best Superman pose, imitating how No. 1 celebrates on the field every Sunday. Newton might even retweet it on Twitter.
We recently caught up with the former first overall draft pick to chat about the Show Your Power campaign, what he thinks of his Madden 15 rating and more.
Crave: The focus of your foundation, the Cam Newton Foundation, is to provide resources for enhancing child development. Why is this something that’s become so important to you?
Cam Newton: I’m a middle child, so know what it’s like to look up to someone, but also what it means to have someone looking up to you. I’ve always liked working with kids, and let’s be honest, they’re the future leaders. For them to realize their value, their swag, it’s pretty cool to see.
Crave: What does it mean for you to be able to give back to the community?
Newton: I know that I’ve been very fortunate to be here and my role in life is not just on the football field. My fans support me through the good times and bad, so for me to be able to support them in both good and bad times, means a lot. I’m dedicated to this community because it stands by me. My family has always emphasized and placed importance on supporting those that support you – it was how I was raised and how I choose to live my life.
Crave: How does it make you feel to know you have a direct impact on a younger fan’s life?
Newton: I love that saying ’to whom much is given, much is expected.’ I know that younger fans look up to me and trust me when I say that I don’t take that lightly. People get so much pleasure out of the things that the Cam Newton Foundation does. They don’t understand though, that I wouldn’t be here without them and that what I get from watching these kids succeed is what drives me. Their success is my success and vice versa.
Crave: As part of the Drakkar Essence social media campaign, fans are encouraged to attempt their best “Superman” pose. Can you explain how that celebration – and persona – originated?
Newton: It all started when I was at Blinn Junior College. My teammates and I always encouraged one another to strike a pose or do a dance after scoring a touchdown. One game, I just pulled out the Superman pose. It was spontaneous and in the moment, but it just felt right – and it stuck!
Crave: With several games now under your belt this season, how are your ribs feeling?
Newton: I would prefer to pass on that one.
Crave: Can you talk about playing at home and how Panthers fans motivate you on the field?
Newton: There’s nothing better than playing on your home turf. My fans are a constant reminder that this game means a lot to a huge group of people – it’s bigger than just me and it’s bigger than the guys on the field. The Panther fans that stick with us and stand behind us are who we’re all here for. There are few experiences like playing in front of 70,000 plus people who are screaming for you to win.
Crave: You’ve broken all kinds of NFL records, is there any accomplishment that stands out thus far?
Newton: I try not to look at past accomplishments but keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be each and every day. From small daily goals to larger goals, such as the Lombardi Trophy – keep moving forward.
Crave: As a two-time Pro Bowler, what did it mean for you to be chosen as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and to represent the Panthers in Hawaii?
Newton: I was humbled to be given the opportunity. It’s a great experience getting to spend time with some of my Panthers teammates and other elite players in that kind of setting.
Crave: Were there any players, growing up, who you idolized and looked up to?
Newton: There are a number of players and role models that inspired me. It’s a combination of a couple different guys from the way they run, to the way they carry the ball, [to the way they] lead their teams or give back to their community. It’s a mix of things.
Crave: When you’re not busy confusing defenses, do you play Madden 15 – if so, what team do you use?
Newton: Oh yes, I am very nimble with these thumbs. I play it in my downtime and like to challenge other users and fans – so message me your gamer tag on Instagram! Sometimes, they don’t believe it’s really me that they’re playing. And the Panthers are, of course, my team of choice.
Crave: Do you think the video game franchise actively portrays your attributes?
Newton: I always bug the Madden rating guys that they need to boost my speed. But I’ve been really impressed by the latest version and how accurate my body movement is. They get my nuances down – things in between the snap or after a run that really make it look like me out there. Each year it gets more and more realistic, which is great for the fans and makes it fun for the players to see.
Crave: What team’s defense do you find gives you the most problems in the game?
Newton: When your Madden skills are good enough, the defense is not an issue!
Crave: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind when all is said and done in Carolina?
Newton: I’ve been blessed with this talent and shame on me if I don’t use it until it runs out. I want people to know that when I walk off the field for the last time, I left it all out there. I hope that people can look back and say “he had a heck of a run” and be proud of the team and the city that I stand for.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
