Former NFL MVP Cam Newton is extending his media presence with a new, multi-year deal to join ESPN’s First Take as a recurring contributor, the network announced Wednesday. Newton begins his expanded role Thursday during a live broadcast at Norfolk State University, part of First Take’s on-campus HBCU tour.
Fresh Voice and Familiar Energy
ESPN Executive Vice President David Roberts praised the acquisition, calling Newton “a unique talent who is authentically himself, and that’s a key ingredient for success on First Take. Cam is also an ultimate team player. All of us at ESPN look forward to watching Cam create a strong connection with his teammates and our fans.”
In his own words, Newton said, “I am excited to be back with the First Take team and share my voice on all things sports. This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I’ve always admired.”
Gaining More Screen Time
Newton, who began as a regular presence on First Take in October 2024, will now feature more frequently—possibly multiple times per week. The specifics remain flexible, as Newton continues to juggle existing media commitments.
He’ll join the established lineup that includes Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo for both studio and live-on-campus segments.
HBCU Engagement at the Forefront
The deal underscores Newton’s ongoing advocacy for HBCU athletics and culture—a passion driven in part by his family ties: his father played at Savannah State, one brother at Tennessee State, and his younger brother Caylin at Howard University.
Newton has expressed hope to elevate HBCU football to a broader platform. “I wanna be a part of the Black College Football Gameday… You get me to the Tuskegee, the Savannah States, the Tennessee States… When it comes to box offices, I can show you what’s interesting about HBCUs,” he said.
The First Take HBCU fall tour will visit several campuses including Norfolk State on Aug. 28, followed by stops at Alabama A&M, Delaware State, and Bethune-Cookman later in the season.
A Media Star on the Rise
Since retiring from football, Newton has built a robust presence in sports media. He hosts two podcasts—4th & 1 with Cam Newton and Funky Friday—and is active across social platforms, including YouTube, where he calls himself one of the largest in-NFL-history creators.
The new ESPN deal reinforces Newton’s evolution from collegiate and NFL legend to mainstream media personality. As one viewer put it, “Cam has the speaking talent and the career pedigree to be one of the best sports commentators in the world. Well deserved.” Another praised the chemistry, saying, “His shows are already entertaining; to watch him and Stephen A. Smith is gonna be hilarious.”
Yet not all feedback has been glowing—some viewers criticized his commentary, vowing to “avoid First Take like the plague” if his expanded role proves disappointing.