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Cam Newton is the latest NFL personality to be laid off by ESPN, according to multiple reports.
Newton – who played 11 NFL seasons and won the 2015 MVP award with the Carolina Panthers – joined ESPN in October 2024 to provide analysis about the NFL. He primarily appeared on "First Take" and eventually agreed to deal for an expanded role with the company in August 2025.
Newton's expanded role included serving as one of the top debate partners for Stephen A. Smith on "First Take." His elevation came following Shannon Sharpe's departure from ESPN amid sexual assault allegations.
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Newton addressed the layoff on his "4th and 1" podcast on July 22, saying "you can't make me hate ESPN."
While Newton developed a rapport with Smith, he has been at the center of several controversies during his time with the program. In February 2026, he came under fire for an appearance on the "It's Giving" podcast during which he opined a woman's value "gets lower" when she has more children.
"I just think the reality of that answer is, women’s value gets lower the more children that they have," Newton said. "And I was having this conversation with one of the mothers of my children."
A month later, Newton hosted former ESPN and Fox Sports commentator Jason Whitlock on his podcast. That move drew the ire of Smith – who openly dislikes Whitlock and was involved in a tense feud with him in 2025 – though Smith expressed his support of Newton continuing to appear on "First Take."
It isn't clear whether either of these incidences played a part in ESPN's decision to part with Newton. Either way, he will no longer appear on "First Take," and the network will need to find Smith another new NFL debate partner.
Meanwhile, Newton figures to lean more into his podcast while seeking his next opportunity.
Newton isn't the only NFL talent who has fallen victim to ESPN's latest round of layoffs. Ryan Clark, Tom Pelissero, Stephania Bell, Charles Davis and Bart Scott are among the most notable reported departures to date.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former NFL QB Cam Newton among ESPN layoffs
