Former NFL MVP Cam Newton was among those laid off by ESPN on Tuesday, a move that came just hours after he posted a candid motivational video on Instagram. The sports media company conducted a recent round of layoffs that also impacted other on-air personalities.
In the video posted Tuesday morning, Newton delivered a blunt message to his followers. "Today’s topic is simple, but it’s straightforward: Stop being a p***!" he stated. "Stop avoiding the hard, you know what I’m saying? Stop avoiding the journey that you know is gonna help you the most. Lock in!"
Newton, who had served as a frequent debate partner for Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's "First Take" over the past two years, emphasized the importance of embracing difficult challenges. He detailed his own rigorous morning routine, which includes early boot camp classes, content creation, steaming, stretching, and weightlifting. "Everybody who is successful, everybody you look up to, has done something tough that required them to do it tough… So yes, I mean it when I say, ‘You’re a p****!'"
He concluded the video by changing into a distinctive outfit featuring jean shorts, a Nikola Jokic NBA All-Star jersey, a bowtie, a denim jacket, and one of his signature flat-brimmed hats adorned with pins. The message underscored the need for individuals to be comfortable with undertaking difficult tasks and to take personal accountability.
Newton's departure from ESPN means he will need to navigate his next career steps following the layoff. The exact number of employees affected by this round of layoffs has not been disclosed.