Feb. 6, 2026, 11:41 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers‘ last franchise quarterback believes that the organization has itself a new franchise quarterback.
Bryce Young joined the set of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton from Super Bowl LX’s “Radio Row” on Friday. And after discussing an exciting 2025 and what to look forward to in 2026, Newton closed up the interview by passing the proverbial torch to Young.
“I appreciate you, bro,” Newton stated. “Keep rockin’ and rollin’ and doin’ it your way. Like I always tell you, they don’t need Cam Newton reincarnated. They need Bryce Young to now take the torch and make it your own.”
Young, in his best pro season to date, led the Panthers to their first playoff berth since 2017 and their first NFC South title since 2015. Those teams, of course, were quarterbacked by Newton—the franchise’s all-time leading passer and only AP Most Valuable Player.
Newton was in attendance for Carolina’s final stand of the season, serving as the “Keep Pounding” drummer ahead of the team’s wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. While the outing ended with a 34-31 loss, Young and the Panthers showed plenty of promise—bringing a Super Bowl favorite to the brink in a valiant effort.
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Now, it’s up to Young to take his team and that torch even higher, just like the last guy once did.
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