Apart from his impressive rookie debut for the Carolina Panthers, QB Cam Newton has been relatively well-known in the league for his sense of fashion. His quirky way of dressing up, and especially his “funky” hairstyle has always caught the attention of the NFL world while he was still an active player. Now, the 33-year-old sits as a free agent, waiting for an opportunity to shine as a relevant QB in the NFL once again. 2015 was the peak of Newton’s career. He led the Panthers to a Super Bowl final, where they faced the Denver Broncos, which ended in a 24-10 defeat. 

The QB feels that his hairstyle is a hindrance and the reason why franchises have not offered him a contract. But is that really the case? Former NFL star Brandon Marshall feels that the problem for Newton at the moment is something less indulgent. Something which a simple haircut might not be able to fix.

It is not 2015 anymore for Cam Newton

Newton last played in the league in 2021 for the Panthers. Speaking to Josina Anderson on Undefined, Newton said his choice of hairstyle might be a probable reason why franchises are backing out from acquiring the free agent. He talked about how people have asked him to go back to the 2015 league MVP clean-cut look. NFL veteran Marshall doesn’t think it’s that simple. 

According to Brandon Marshall of ‘I Am Athlete,’ the ex-NFL star and his colleague feel that Newton’s age might be one of the factors as to why teams are not really eyeing him as a starting QB anymore. At 33, Newton might just be past his prime. He does not fit with the consensus of starting QBs in the league anymore. And being a backup does not sit with his personality.

Read more: 2x Super Bowl Champ Patrick Mahomes Gets Snubbed in Latest List by Cam Newton

Marshall went on to narrate about the time when he was also asked to cut his hair when he wanted to work for television. His agent came to him to ask him if he would decide to do so. He said, “When my agent said that, something just triggered for me. I was like f**k that, I’m keeping my dreads.”  Whatever the reason may be, the question that remains to be answered is, does Cam Newton still have a bright career in the NFL?

Will the former league MVP play in the NFL again?

It is a question that seems difficult to answer at the moment. Franchises are eyeing Newton as a backup QB. While he managed to prove critics wrong with his spectacular rookie season, one might ponder if his age is becoming a possible hindrance in teams eyeing him as a starting QB for any franchise. Not only this, but he also has a history of injuries during his stint with the Patriots and Panthers in the league. And as his age progresses, one might wonder if his body is slowly reaching its limit as a QB in the NFL.

While Newton waits for a franchise to show genuine interest in him as a starter, his future in the NFL is still a question shrouded with mystery.

Watch this story: Retired NFL QB Tom Brady makes comeback in HERTZ 2023 commercial