Video: Cam Newton Thinks NFL Career 'Is Over' but 'Will Never Be Over' in His Heart

Free-agent quarterback Cam Newton is closing the curtain on his NFL career as he remains unsigned for another season.

The 2015 MVP said in an episode of his Funky Friday show that "I think it's over." He added that his general passion for the sport "would never be over."

Following a bright start to his return to the Carolina Panthers, reality quickly set in for Newton in 2021.

In his first appearance back with Carolina, hescored touchdowns with his first two touches. His first start wasn't too bad either as he went 21-of-27 for 189 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Washington Commanders.

But over his next four starts, Newton threw for 487 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. The Panthers subsequently pivoted back to Sam Darnold as their starter.

Having already been beaten out by Mac Jones for the New England Patriots' starting gig, Newton's spell in Carolina seemed to shut the door on him being a lock to start for an NFL team moving forward.

General managers and coaches pretty much showed they didn't see him as a viable backup option, either, by virtue of him not landing anywhere after his second exit from the Panthers.

Newton's recent comments merely confirm what plenty of fans believed already. The 35-year-old's career is all but over even if he hasn't formally retired.

In his prime, Newton was a force of nature and one of the most exciting players in the league. During his MVP campaign, he threw for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns and ran for another 636 yards and 10 scores.

The three-time Pro Bowler's heavy workload in Carolina eventually caught up to him, though, as his game had began showing signs of decline and the injuries started to pile up into his late 20s.

Newton will undoubtedly be a fascinating case when his turn comes for inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame starting in 2027.