Cam Newton last played in the NFL in 2021, and despite being only 33 years old, the former MVP believes he knows the bizarre reason why teams aren't inquiring about his services.
Appearing on this week's episode of "Undefined with Josina Anderson," Newton said his hairstyle keeps him out of the NFL, adding that teams have hinted that he make a change.
"The thing is always mentioned is, 'Cam, you scaring people the way you look,'" Newton said. "I would say, 'Yo, like I'm not gonna name names, but there's other quarterbacks that's in the league that don't look like me, but they got long hair. They don't scare them, do they?'"
If Newton's claims are valid, which there's no reason to think they aren't, it's not a great look for the NFL. In a day and age where slogans to end racism appear in the end zone and on helmets, the unfortunate situation involving Newton proves we have a long way to go.
Newton says the slight has only reinforced his desire to be himself, a stance he may not have held if he were younger.
"Right now, where I'm at, it's about embracing who I am," Newton said.
The issue hasn't only impacted Newton. Former Pro Bowl wideout Brandon Marshall shared a similar experience on this week's "I AM ATHLETE" podcast. Marshall detailed how as he neared retirement, several networks contacted his agent regarding a potential job as an analyst, but they all had concerns about his dreadlocks.
"That's the reason I have dreads now, and that's the reason I move the way I move a lot of times," Marshall said. "Like, forget that. I'm not going to ESPN. I'm going on YouTube, right? Because we can have certain conversations that we can't have in other spaces."
It's hard to fathom how a hairstyle can override talent. And some will believe that Newton's abilities, not his hair, keep him out of the NFL.
However, the three-time Pro Bowler hasn't called it quits yet.
Newton threw during Auburn's pro day in March, where he drew high praise from wideout Shedrick Jackson. When asked if Newton should be suiting up on Sundays, Jackson called it a "no-brainer."
Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.
More must-reads:
Related slideshow: A history of athletes and activism (Provided by Yardbarker)