The tension between former NFL stars, particularly when one takes issue with the actions of another, can often lead to some fiery public exchanges. One such exchange has recently gained attention, involving a former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr., and the former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. What started as a brief comment by Newton has snowballed into a heated confrontation between the two men, with Smith offering a pointed critique of Newton’s behavior and attitude.
The Origins of the Disagreement
The roots of the conflict between Steve Smith Sr. and Cam Newton date back to their time as teammates on the Carolina Panthers. Smith, an accomplished wide receiver and future Hall of Famer, played for the Panthers from 2001 to 2013. During that span, he became the face of the franchise, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top receivers. On the other hand, Newton, the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, joined the Panthers as their young, dynamic quarterback in 2011, quickly emerging as one of the league’s brightest stars.
Though the two played together for only three seasons (2011-2013), their relationship was strained almost from the start. Smith, known for his fiery competitiveness and work ethic, was entering the twilight of his career, while Newton, brimming with youthful energy and confidence, was just beginning to carve out his legacy. The disparity in their career trajectories was always a point of tension, but what truly started the rift was Smith’s perception of Newton’s leadership style and maturity.
While Smith was an established veteran who expected professionalism and leadership from his quarterback, Newton, still learning the ropes of his new role, exhibited a personality and demeanor that often rubbed teammates the wrong way. This dynamic didn’t go unnoticed by Smith, who wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts. Smith has mentioned in interviews that while he respected Newton’s talent, he believed the quarterback needed to grow into the leadership role he was expected to play. Smith’s blunt assessments often made headlines, and though Newton’s talent was undeniable, the tension between the two continued to grow.
Newton’s “Loser” Remarks and Smith’s Response
The public spat reignited in recent months when Cam Newton made a comment that would spark yet another round of public friction between the two. During an appearance on an NFL-related podcast, Newton made a disparaging remark about some of his former teammates, specifically referring to them as “losers.” Though Newton did not explicitly name names, it was widely interpreted as a shot at some of the Panthers’ key players during his tenure, including Steve Smith.
Smith, known for his outspoken personality, did not take kindly to this comment. In a blistering social media post, Smith fired back, slamming Newton for his remarks and expressing his displeasure. The post was filled with frustration, as Smith chastised Newton for what he viewed as an arrogant and disrespectful comment. Smith made it clear that he was “done” with Newton, and he pointed out that Newton’s lack of maturity and leadership was what had ultimately held him back from achieving the success he should have had during his career.
Smith’s reaction was not merely about the insult directed at him. It was a broader critique of Newton’s career, which he felt had been hampered by his inability to truly lead and unite his teams. While Smith acknowledged Newton’s immense physical talent, he also emphasized that talent alone was not enough to sustain a successful career. Leadership, character, and the ability to work with teammates were, according to Smith, the true hallmarks of greatness.
Smith’s scathing comments painted Newton as someone who, in his prime, had failed to capitalize on the opportunities available to him due to a lack of accountability and maturity. He expressed frustration that Newton had never truly been able to handle the weight of being the face of the franchise, pointing out how his lack of development in this area had cost him dearly. It was a blunt assessment, one that drew a sharp line between Smith’s view of Newton’s career and the reality of what Newton had accomplished.
The History of Steve Smith Sr. and Cam Newton’s Relationship
The relationship between Smith and Newton had always been strained, but it reached its peak during Newton’s early years as the Panthers’ starting quarterback. The tension between the two was palpable, with Smith often publicly criticizing Newton for his immaturity, particularly when it came to the quarterback’s handling of difficult situations and press conferences.
Smith, who was known for his fiery passion and tough love mentality, had high expectations for those around him. He never shied away from calling out his teammates when he felt they weren’t living up to their potential. That included Newton, who was often at the center of Smith’s critiques during their time together in Carolina. Smith has previously said that his frustration with Newton stemmed from a belief that Newton needed to be more of a vocal leader and more consistent in his approach to the game.
In contrast, Newton, who was in the early years of his career, was still finding his footing as a leader. He had to navigate the challenges of stepping into a high-profile position as the number one overall draft pick while also attempting to meet the expectations of a fanbase that had waited for a franchise quarterback for years. While Newton had all the physical attributes to succeed, Smith felt that Newton often struggled with the emotional and leadership aspects of the game.
Their relationship became more complicated in the years following Smith’s departure from the Panthers in 2014. Smith, who had been a pillar of the Panthers’ offense for over a decade, left for the Baltimore Ravens after a falling out with the team’s front office. He would later speak about how his departure was in part due to his strained relationship with the team, and specifically, with Newton.
Smith has spoken candidly about how he felt disrespected by the Panthers after being let go. He has often referred to his departure as a difficult chapter in his career, one that he believes ultimately fueled his motivation during his time with the Ravens.
The Broader Criticism of Cam Newton
Steve Smith’s criticism of Cam Newton isn’t isolated. It reflects a broader sentiment about Newton’s leadership abilities and his lack of sustained success in the NFL. Despite winning NFL MVP honors in 2015 and leading the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance, Newton’s career has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and issues with leadership.
Over the years, Newton’s outspoken nature has been both a blessing and a curse. His personality is magnetic, but his sometimes brash demeanor has led to tension both within his teams and with the media. Newton has often been criticized for his body language, particularly during difficult games, and his sometimes-polarizing presence has caused fans and analysts to question his commitment to the game.
For many, Newton’s failure to live up to his immense potential has been disappointing. While he has had moments of brilliance, such as his Super Bowl 50 MVP season, his overall trajectory has not been what many had hoped for given his incredible talent.
Smith’s Legacy and Leadership
Steve Smith Sr., meanwhile, carved out a career built on leadership, toughness, and consistent production. After retiring from the NFL in 2016, Smith transitioned into a career as a broadcaster and analyst, where he continued to voice his unfiltered opinions. He remains one of the most respected voices in the NFL, and his straightforward approach to leadership and success in the league stands in stark contrast to Newton’s tumultuous tenure as a leader.
Smith’s ability to elevate those around him, both on and off the field, has been widely recognized. Unlike Newton, Smith wasn’t just known for his physical abilities but for his ability to inspire and drive his teammates to achieve success. This contrast is central to the frustration Smith expressed in his criticism of Newton—he feels that Newton failed to live up to the responsibility that came with being a franchise quarterback.