Which Will Cam Newton Take First: Jimmy Clausen’s Job or His Number?

When the Carolina Panthers made quarterback Cam Newton the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, Jimmy Clausen sent his congratulations on twitter saying “Congrats to Cam Newton! Welcome to the Panthers.” Clausen may have been genuine sending his congratulations, but he can’t be too happy about the pick because this is the guy who is going to take his job.

Clausen was brutal in his first year as Carolina’s starter. He threw for just three touchdowns while turning the ball over 11 times (nine interceptions and two fumbles). He never once threw for more than 200 yards in a game. The team went 2-14. Carolina only invested a second-round pick on Clausen, so they’re not on the hook for much money if they don’t play him. It all adds up to Newton becoming the team’s starter. The only question is whether or not he becomes the team’s starter before he gets Clausen’s jersey.

Cam Newton wore jersey number two at Auburn — the same number Clausen wore for the Panthers last year. Cam wants to continue wearing the number and that presents an issue. “It’s mine right now,” Clausen said of the No.2 jersey. “We’ll see what happens.”

What will happen is Cam will make him a really nice offer of money or jewelry or gifts in order to get the jersey number. Who could have imagined that the same guy who was the Golden Child coming out of high school would have to end up surrendering his jersey number to a higher-rated quarterback? I guess it’s all Karma and coming back to The Jimmy for flashing his rings and taking his stretch limo to his Notre Dame announcement coming out of high school. Couldn’t be happening to a nicer guy.