It took a while for Cam Newton to find a new NFL home this season. Once he did, it did not take him very long to score a touchdown.
Newton, on his very first snap during his second stint with the Carolina Panthers, rolled right on a 2nd & goal situation to score a touchdown and, quite literally, let the NFL know he was back.
"I'm baaaaack." – Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/HkYRpd3CB6
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 14, 2021
“I’m baaaaack,” exclaimed Newton.
Not only did it put the Panthers up 7-0 on the Arizona Cardinals, but the touchdown also bumped the 2015 NFL MVP up the Panthers’ list of most scrimmage touchdowns in franchise history.
After that touchdown, Cam Newton moves into second place in #Panthers history in scrimmage TDs (59)
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 14, 2021
Newton’s return to the NFL was marked by an exciting score and followed by the kind of big personality celebration that we’ve come to expect from him. It was certainly the kind of moment that NFL fans took notice of, especially in the face of the league’s recent crackdown on what it considers taunting or excessive celebrations. And for the record, Cam was called for unsportsmanlike conduct on the score.
this is good, @NFL. we like this. https://t.co/Hicdb7n8L7
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) November 14, 2021
Cam Newton in a Panthers jersey screaming IM BACK?! pic.twitter.com/liJw2Mhj2C
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 14, 2021
The ref who gave Cam Newton an unsportsmanlike conduct after his first TD back with the Panthers should be thrown in jail
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) November 14, 2021
NFL refs having another banner day. Calling Cam Newton for unsportsmanlike conduct for yelling “I’m back.” Why the #NFL doesn’t address this is beyond me. Plain and simple hubris.
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) November 14, 2021
We’ll see how much more action Newton gets on the day as PJ Walker remains the starter for the time being. However, all signs point to Newton taking the helm at some point. And clearly, Matt Rhule and Carolina are ready to put No. 1 back out on the field to see what else he can do. He is back, after all.
UPDATE: Newton followed that up by throwing for another touchdown. He’s back-back now.
This Cam Newton kid might do some big things in the NFL… pic.twitter.com/eZB53tLOFL
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 14, 2021
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.