Auburn Football: The Tigers Should Retire Cam Newton's Jersey

Cam Newton only spent one season at Auburn, but his impact will be felt on the Plains for years to come. The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner traveled back to Auburn this spring for the unveiling of statues honoring Auburn's three Heisman Trophy winners.

Now that his statue is up, the question becomes: Should Auburn retire his No. 2 jersey?

Matt Scalici and War Blogle (of WarBlogle.com) recently discussed this topic on the AL.com Auburn Football podcast.

My answer? Of course his jersey should be retired. It shouldn't even be a question.

Newton led his team to the national championship, SEC championship and won the Heisman Trophy. He became just the third player in history to pass for 20 touchdowns and rush for 20 touchdowns in a single season, making it one of the most impressive seasons in college football history.

What more do you want?

The Auburn football program has retired three numbers during its history. Both of Auburn's other Heisman Trophy winners—No. 34 Bo Jackson and No. 7 Pat Sullivan—have their jersey numbers retired, as does former wide receiver Terry Beasley (No. 88). 

Should Newton be treated any differently than his Auburn Heisman brethren? Absolutely not.

People will, of course, point to the NCAA issues that led to Newton's one-day suspension prior to the SEC Championship Game as an argument that Auburn shouldn't retire his jersey.

That's ridiculous.

The NCAA cleared Auburn in the matter and praised the cooperation of the university during the process.

That book is closed.

Nobody wore Newton's No. 2 last year, and Auburn's current roster doesn't list anyone as having the No. 2 this year. Based on the precedent that Auburn has set for itself, it should stay that way forever.

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