Cam Newton Gets Honest About Impact Tim Tebow Had on His Career

Cam Newton Gets Honest About Impact Tim Tebow Had on His Career originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Before winning the Heisman Trophy, Cam Newton was a member of the Florida Gators quarterback room under legendary coach Urban Meyer.

Newton served as a backup to Tim Tebow from 2007-08 as a freshman and received his fair share of playing time. Newton played in games against Western Kentucky, Troy, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Florida Atlantic. 

He ended his lone season in Florida by going 5-for-10 on completions for 40 yards on a 50% completion rate. The versatile dual-threat quarterback rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns, rushing for 46 yards against the Owls and 33 against the Commodores.

During a recent interview on Johnny Manziel’s “Glory Daze” podcast, Newton recalled that the “players ran the locker room” and called each other out when something needed to be said.

He also said a big thing he learned from playing with the Gators and Tebow was how to develop a strong mentality.

“He knew that you knew he was that guy in the humblest and cocky way possible,” Newton said of Tebow. “Prepared his tail off and worked hard to lead the team as a verbal leader.

“Αnd when you lead like that, you might be the dumbest person if you don’t incorporate that into your play.”

Newton said Tebow’s leadership style opened his eyes and helped him better understand football because he knew he had the talent just not the discipline.

“I hated being the dumb one, so they always said 'Hey Cam, what is that?'” he added. “You either shrink or grow, and for the first time, it was like am I going to stay disciplined to keep stacking these days? '”

From Backup to Winning the Heisman

Newton's college career hit a rough patch in 2009 after his expulsion from Florida because of academic problems and issues off the field. He ultimately transferred to Blinn College, a junior college, and led them to the NJCAA national championship.

Newton then took his talents back to the SEC to join the Auburn Tigers, where he took his game to another level. He passed for 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He led the Tigers to the 2010 BCS national championship game against the Oregon Ducks, where he passed for 265 yards and two touchdowns to help his team secure the 22-19 triumph. 

Newton’s final season culminated in him winning the sport’s most prestigious award, the Heisman.

Related: Cam Newton Shares ‘Critical’ Take on Shedeur Sanders Speeding Violation

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.