Cam Newton Sep 8, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Ask fans if former NFL MVP Cam Newton belongs in the Hall of Fame, and you’ll get some heated debate.

In an appearance on ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ Tuesday, Newton had a chance to address the issue himself. It made for an interesting discussion between the quarterback and host.

“Are you a Hall of Famer?” Patrick pressed Newton.

“Hell yes,” Newton responded.

To make his case, Newton took a surprising turn, comparing himself to NBA legend Allen Iverson. Newton asked Patrick if he would rather have an Iverson-type career, or that of Robert Horry, who won seven NBA championships with three different teams.

“I’d rather be AI,” Patrick answered. “He changed the game in a lot of ways, how you look, what you wear, how you play. … Allen Iverson was a bad-*** from start to finish.”

“So you’re telling me, in a lot of ways, shapes or form, I am Allen Iverson,” Newton said.

“Culturally, start to finish, polarizing, but I knew that when you were playing,” Patrick said.

“So if you’re asking me the original question, is Cam Newton a Hall of Famer, my impact to this game is without a doubt seen,” Newton said.

Hall of Fame voters will have to decide Newton’s merits one day. For now, the 34-year-old veteran still wants another shot to play, but he told Patrick it’s been two years since a team has called him.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you call, if they don’t want you, they’re not going to pick up,” Newton said.

 

[The Dan Patrick Show]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.