Everybody has a price. But apparently, Jimmy Clausen’s was too damn high!
In his latest YouTube video, an “exclusive” episode guest-starring UCLA standout Dante Moore, Cam Newton uncovered a bit of his early history as a Carolina Panther. That part of his career would briefly intertwine with former teammate and fellow quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who had both the job and the uniform number Newton wanted.
The story behind how Cam Newton came to wear No. 1 and his vow to make Jimmy Clauson a footnote in Panthers history. pic.twitter.com/K5aj8LG5BO
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) November 6, 2023
Clausen would grab the No. 2 after being selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Panthers. He wouldn’t do much with it, however—passing for 1,558 yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions over 13 games during his rookie season.
After Clausen’s underwhelming campaign, one where the team went 1-9 in his 10 starts, Carolina was left with a 2-14 record and the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft. So, in comes Superman.
Newton, who had donned the deuce as the star and a national champion at both Blinn College and the University of Auburn, settled on No. 1. He’d proceed to make that number his own, building up one of the most impressive legacies in franchise history.
Oh, and Jimmy Clausen is still heard of in Carolina—as the blessing in disguise that helped get their organization its greatest quarterback ever.
