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Auburn Reveals Major Cam Newton Decision Ahead of College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 11:47 AM ET

Cam Newton only spent one year with the Auburn Tigers, but that was long enough to create an amazing legacy.

In 2010, Newton completed 185 of 280 passes for 2,854 yards, 30 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 182 passing efficiency rating. He also rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns.

That helped him bring home several impressive accolades, including the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award and first-team All-America honors. Newton also helped Auburn defeat the Oregon Ducks 22-19 to claim the national championship.

Cam Newton Receives Major Honor From Auburn

Though it was short, Newton's time with the Tigers will forever be cemented in the team's history.

On Monday, just days before Auburn's season opener against the Baylor Bears on Aug. 29, the program announced it will officially be retiring Newton's No. 2. The jersey retirement ceremony will be held during an Oct. 11 home game against the Georgia Bulldogs, the school announced.

The Legacy of No. 2

Cemented in Auburn history forever.@CameronNewton | #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/zNylNfy7yF
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) August 18, 2025

“The truth of the matter is no one knew, and honestly, I didn’t even know,” Newton said in the video announcement. “I didn’t know the impact Auburn would have on me of being a kid from Atlanta, and no one knew the desire to really bring something to this town that will never be forgotten.“

His time with Auburn also led to an impressive professional career after he was taken with the No. 1 pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft.

In 11 years in the NFL, Newton made three Pro Bowl appearances, was the Offensive Rookie of the Year, earned First-Team All-Pro honors once and brought home the 2015 MVP Award.

Cam Newton Joins Exclusive List at Auburn

Retiring numbers isn't something the Tigers do very often, with Newton becoming just the fourth player in program history to receive the honor.

He's joining some legendary names, including former wide receiver Terry Beasley (1969 to 1971, No. 88), quarterback Pat Sullivan (1969 to 1971, No. 7) and running back Bo Jackson (1982 to 1985, No. 34).

It may not be the last time Newton is recognized for his impressive collegiate career, either, because on June 2, the National Football Foundation revealed he was named to the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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