Auburn University to retire Cam Newton’s No. 2 jersey

AUBURN, ALA . (WRBL) — Auburn Athletics announced on Monday, that college legend and 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton’s No. 2 jersey will be retired.

Newton will become the fourth player in program history to have his number retired, joining Pat Sullivan’s No. 7, Bo Jackson’s No. 34, and Terry Beasley’s No. 88.

“Auburn will always be home to me,” Newton said. “The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment, and to have my jersey retired alongside legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley is an incredible honor that I’ll cherish forever. War Eagle!”

Newton was one of the most decorated player in history between Auburn and the Southeastern Conference as he led the team to a SEC Championship and the 2010 BCS Championship with an undefeated season at 14-0.

“Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said. “Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.” 

Newton, a College Park, Georgia native, was a consensus All-American in his lone season at Auburn and won the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and was the Associated Press National Player of the Year.

“Cam is one of the greatest players to wear an Auburn uniform and it is only fitting that he has his No. 2 jersey retired,” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said. “We look forward to honoring and celebrating Cam this season with this much-deserved recognition.”

During his historic season back in 2010, Newton threw for 2,854 yards with 30 touchdowns and ran for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns, with a receiving touchdown. Newton also became the first player in SEC history to pass for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season.

Newton went on to get drafted No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers and was in the NFL for 11 years.

He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 and NFL Most Valuable player in 2015 while leading the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50.

Newton holds the Carolina franchise record for passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns while leading the organization to four playoff appearances and three division titles. His 75 rushing touchdowns are the most by a quarterback in NFL history.