Cam Newton was finally welcomed back to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, and the atmosphere for it was absolutely electric.
Newton was on hand to pound the ceremonial pregame drum for the team’s NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday. Aside from his brief return as a player in 2021, he had been somewhat kept at arm’s length by the organization even after his playing career ended.
Naturally, Newton got an enormous roar from the crowd, and even did his signature Superman celebration as he emerged from the tunnel.
CAM NEWTON POUNDS THE DRUM! 🗣️
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2026
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There had definitely been some tension between Newton and the Panthers since 2021. At one point, he even suggested the organization had been intentionally ignoring him and not honoring his contributions. That does not seem to be the case anymore, as Newton attended enthusiastically at the team’s invitation for this game.
Newton remains the last Carolina quarterback to win a playoff game with the organization. The team’s victory in the NFC Championship game in 2015 remains their most recent postseason victory. Newton was clearly hoping to share some of the magic with Bryce Young and the current team.
