Cam Newton, a former NFL quarterback, has advised current and former athletes to establish their own media platforms following his recent dismissal from ESPN. Newton, who was among a wave of layoffs at the sports network, emphasized the importance of owning one's content to avoid being overlooked.
"If you don’t own your own platform, you’re going to get overlooked, bypassed and be extinct, just like dinosaurs," Newton stated on his YouTube channel, "4th & 1 With Cam Newton." He drew a parallel to Emmanuel Acho's career, noting how Acho's independent show "Speakeasy" allowed him to land on his feet after leaving Fox Sports.
Newton, an 11-year NFL veteran, currently hosts several podcasts, including "4th & 1" and "Funky Fridays." He expressed greater passion for his personal shows, suggesting that working for a large company like ESPN requires adhering to their specific directives rather than fully expressing oneself.
Despite his departure, Newton maintained a positive outlook on his tenure with ESPN, describing it as an educational experience. "You cannot, you will not, make me hate my experience with ESPN," he said. He acknowledged that, as a former athlete without a journalism background, he gained valuable insights into production processes. Newton also highlighted the networking opportunities ESPN provided, stating he plans to stay in touch with former colleagues, both on-air talent and production staff.
The former Auburn national champion admitted that the firing was unexpected but recognized it as part of the business. He recalled a similar professional setback when he was released by the New England Patriots, stating that experience prepared him for future business uncertainties.