Cam Newton, ESPN Agree to Multi-Year Contract to Appear on First Take With Stephen A.

Ahead of the first full weekend of the college football season and leading up to the start of the NFL regular season, Cam Newton has expanded his role with ESPN.

The network announced on Wednesday that Newton has agreed to a new multi-year contract to continue appearing regularly on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.

"I am excited to be back with the First Take team and share my voice on all things sports," Newton said in a statement included in the announcement. "This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fans and bring my passion and knowledge to a show I've always admired."

ESPN noted Newton will return to the show on Thursday for First Take's show at Norfolk State University.

Newton originally joined ESPN in October 2024 as part of the rotating cast of commentators on First Take. He primarily appeared on Fridays during the NFL season.

It's unclear how Newton's role will expand, nor did ESPN specify how many episodes of the morning talk show he would appear on each week.

Smith and Qerim are the two primary stars of the show, with analysts from various sports frequently appearing. Chris Russo is a regular contributor to the show on Wednesdays.

In addition to his role as a television analyst for ESPN, Newton has expanded his media profile with a weekly podcast that began in 2023.

Newton has never formally announced his retirement from football. The former NFL MVP said in June 2024 that he wasn't planning a formal announcement, but he was unlikely to ever play again.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Newton last played in the NFL during the 2021 season with the Carolina Panthers. He appeared in 148 games over 11 seasons with the Panthers and New England Patriots.

Newton will have his No. 2 Auburn jersey retired by the school prior to an Oct. 11 game against Georgia. He won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a national title during his lone season with the program in 2010.