Auburn University will retire Cam Newton’s iconic No. 2 jersey, honoring the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion during the Georgia game on October 11 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Newton will become the fourth player in Auburn football history to have his number retired, joining Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Bo Jackson (No. 34), and Terry Beasley (No. 88).
“Auburn will always be home to me,” Newton said. “The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment, and to have my jersey retired alongside legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley is an incredible honor that I’ll cherish forever. War Eagle!”
Newton delivered one of the most dominant seasons in college football history in 2010, leading the Tigers to a 14-0 record, an SEC Championship, and the BCS National Championship. He threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores. He also caught a touchdown, becoming the first player in SEC history to throw for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 in a single season.
“Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player,” said Auburn athletics director John Cohen. “Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.”
A native of College Park, Georgia, Newton won nearly every major award that season, including the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, and was named the Associated Press National Player of the Year.
“Cam is one of the greatest players to wear an Auburn uniform and it is only fitting that he has his No. 2 jersey retired,” said Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.
Newton played 11 seasons in the NFL, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011 and MVP honors in 2015. He holds multiple records with the Carolina Panthers and has the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history with 75.