Cam Newton has backtracked on his controversial exclusion of Jalen Hurts from his top 10 quarterback list after enduring heavy public criticism for nearly two weeks. The former NFL MVP addressed the issue on his 4th & 1 podcast, acknowledging the scrutiny Hurts faces and offering an apology for his previous remarks.
Newton said,
“I apologize that he got thrusted into this position where he can’t even properly defend himself,”
reflecting on the backlash Hurts experienced. He encouraged Hurts to keep focusing on winning, regardless of rankings or external perceptions.
“But this is the thing. He can silence everything. Keep doing what you’re doing, and that’s winning. Just keep winning. Keep doing your job. Whether you’re a top 10 quarterback, whether you’re a quarterback that benefits off of the great assets around you or not,” he added.
Experts Challenge Newton’s Original Comments on Hurts
Newton’s initial decision to leave Hurts off his elite quarterback list, made on July 17, sparked a wave of criticism from former players and analysts. He had attributed Hurts’ success, in part, to the strength of the Philadelphia Eagles roster, complicating an individual evaluation of the quarterback.
Former NFL receiver Torrey Smith, who has shared time with both players, responded sharply on social media, arguing that it was unfair to punish Hurts for having a competent management team supporting him.
“Jalen is the only qb that gets punished because he has a competent GM. Jalen does his job with what he has. Every other GM is trying to put their qb in the same situation as Jalen Hurts. Superhero ball is overrated. You can win because HE is your QB,” Smith wrote on X.
Other analysts, including Ryan Clark, Dan Orlovsky, and Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, also voiced their disagreement, emphasizing Hurts’ individual prowess. Chat Sports analyst Chase Senior labeled Newton’s assessment as “blatantly wrong,” stating in a viral post that he would choose Hurts over Newton to lead a franchise.
Jalen Hurts’ Performance Solidifies His Status
Hurts’ recent season performance left little doubt about his quarterback capabilities. Completing 68.7% of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards, he threw 18 touchdowns against only five interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 14 touchdowns, guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he earned the MVP award.
The quarterback’s playoff output was even more impressive, boasting a 71.4% completion rate and a passer rating above 108 over four postseason games, underscoring his effectiveness and leadership under pressure.
Implications of Newton’s Apology and Future Outlook
Newton’s apology marks a rare public reversal and adds to the ongoing discourse about evaluating quarterbacks in the NFL. The recognition of Hurts as a top-tier player not only cements his status among elite quarterbacks but also highlights the intense scrutiny athletes encounter when ranked publicly. Moving forward, Hurts is poised to continue proving his worth on the field, letting his performance silence critics as Newton suggested.