David Pollack's Strong Claim About Cam Newton Sparks College Football Debate

David Pollack's Strong Claim About Cam Newton Sparks College Football Debate originally appeared on The Spun.

It was announced Monday that Cam Newton will have his No. 2 jersey retired on Oct. 11 when Auburn squares off against Georgia. This exciting news received plenty of interest from college football fans, including former ESPN analyst David Pollack.

Newton had an exceptional 2010 season at Auburn, racking up 2,854 passing yards, 1,473 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns. He actually became the first SEC player to ever record at least 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. His 2010 campaign is regarded as one of the best seasons in college football history.

Not only did Newton cement his status as the No. 1 pick for the 2011 NFL Draft, he led Auburn to a national championship that season. It's only fitting that he'll be honored at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

"Auburn will always be home to me," Newton said in a statement. "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!"

After it was confirmed that Newton's jersey number will be retired later this year, Pollack offered his thoughts on the Auburn legend.

Pollack declared that he has never seen a better football player than Newton.

"Auburn is retiring Cam Newton’s jersey. Since my time covering the game as an analyst, I have never seen a better football player. Size, athletic, tough, competitive," Pollack wrote on social media. "Literally carried his 2010 team to a chip."

Some college football fans didn't agree with Pollack's comment about Newton.

"So you just missed Tebow huh? Too bad. But yes Cam was fun that one year," one fan commented.

"I understand your question where you say Cam is the best player you have seen since covering the game as an analyst and I respect that but from an size, athletic standpoint Cam do not have anything on Hershel Walker, Walker was a player that comes along every 50 years just rare," a second fan argued.

"Sounds more like Vince Young you're describing," a third fan wrote.

"Ever see a Kid named Derrick Henry," another fan replied.

Newton's legacy at Auburn can't be debated.

Fans can argue where Newton ranks among the all-time greats of college football, but what can't be denied is that he's a legend at Auburn. Later this year, he'll join Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Terry Beasley as the program's only players to have their jersey numbers retired.

Auburn is hoping Newton's retirement ceremony won't be the only celebration thrown on Oct. 11. The Tigers would love nothing more than to defeat the Bulldogs at home.

Georgia has won its last eight meetings against Auburn. Maybe, just maybe, Newton's presence will give his alma mater some much needed luck.

David Pollack's Strong Claim About Cam Newton Sparks College Football Debate first appeared on The Spun on Aug 18, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared.