A dominant storyline of the Panthers-Broncos Super Bowl 50 matchup has been the polarization created by Cam Newton, most notably his penchant for dancing after big plays. Newton is now being cast as a transformational figure because he is, in his words, "an African-American quarterback that may scare a lot of people because they haven't seen nothing that they can compare me to."
Newton’s treatment by the media, and some segments of fans, have led him to a logical conclusion. But he’s wrong. Russell Wilson went to two consecutive Super Bowls, winning one and coming one play away from a second, playing a style that Newton has adopted. But because Wilson doesn’t “dab,” or “hit ‘dem folks,” he did not fit the stereotype everyone is dancing around.
Cam Newton Would Be Ripped For This Warriors Celebration
Ozzie Newsome, an African-American GM for the Ravens, fell into the trap when he spoke to The New York Times. “Now you’ve got some heroes that you can look at; there is someone you can emulate who is black,” Newsome said.
What was wrong with Wilson, or even 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, whom Newsome’s Ravens faced in the 2012 Super Bowl? Wilson is the clear comparison, because he arrived in the NFL after Newton, but succeeded more quickly. Much of that was due to Wilson joining a team that had all the other pieces in place to complete, but Newton did not reach MVP caliber until his passing game was on Wilson’s level.
Cam Newton Is Making A Lot Of 'Experts' Look Dumb
There are two discernible differences between Newton and Wilson. Newton has seven inches of height on Wilson, and he doesn’t openly flaunt his religion. Wilson, a black man, varies from the apparent “script” for black athletes. Newton was referred to by Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall as part of a “new generation,” but what’s new about athletes celebrating big plays?
Or white athletes dancing?
What’s happening to Newton is pushing an unfair amount of pressure on Newton’s shoulders, but also denigrating the near-unprecedented accomplishments of Wilson at such an early stage in his career. Just two years ago Wilson faced Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl, with very little discourse about race.
Think about what’s different now.
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