Carolina Panthers Make Dream Come True for Kid with Cerebral Palsy

I'm a longtime fan and watcher of NBC's Today show, and I have the series set to record on DVR. I hadn't watched yesterday's show yet, and at some point throughout the day I saw on Twitter that Jhene Aiko had performed (I love her, and I saw her perform last weekend in Atlanta). So I watched a little bit of yesterday's episode this morning, primarily fast-forwarding to get to Jhene's performance. And in the process, I came across a great segment involving the Carolina Panthers and a kid who has cerebral palsy.

Credit: Today

In the video below, you'll see what the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton did for 13-year-old Austin Smith, who enjoys playing football and doesn't let his physical limitations stop him, including giving him and his family tickets (great seats) to this Sunday's home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This further reiterates the influence NFL players--and most professional athletes for that matter--have on our society and on our youth in particular. Generally, these pro stars do a lot of good.

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Gatorade Debuts 'Sweat It To Get It' Commercials With Peyton Manning and Cam Newton... and 'Customers'

Gatorade released a series of commercials online yesterday for its "Sweat It. Get It" campaign, starring quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Cam Newton. The two NFL stars appear separately in the ads, which range from one minute to two minutes long. They make it difficult for unsuspecting customers to buy Gatorade at a convenience store because the men and women who attempt to purchase the sports drinks haven't sweated, which means they haven't earned it.

Cam appears in two of the commercials, while Peyton is in six--he's the consummate pitch man, isn't he? Even though there are so-called hidden cameras capturing this and it seems to be a real convenience store, like the Jeff Gordon test-drive-prank Pepsi commercial last year, my suspicions are that these are all actors; though one (and only one) of Peyton's seems real. (Jeff Gordon's commercial has gone on to get more than 40 million views, by the way.)

Watch the two commercials with the Carolina Panthers QB below, and you can view all of them at gatorade.com/sweat-it-get-it.

You'll also find Cam and Peyton alongside Eli Manning, Robert Griffin III, and J.J. Watt as Gatorade's The League of Captains. Each player is a comic book character, with actual written and illustrated stories--Cam is "The Blender"--and you can purchase specially designed Gatorade bottles of the characters for a limited time.

Credits: Gatorade

And if you need more Cam in your day, watch the newest episode of "Huddle Up with Cam Newton," a five-part web series by Under Armour that shows inside looks into Cam's life, as he discusses the highs and lows. In the episode three, released today, he talks about how his college football career almost ended before it even started, including a candid moment about sitting the bench behind Tim Tebow.

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Second Annual Cam Newton 7 v 7 Football Tournament June 26-27; Championship July 11-12

The Cam Newton Foundation brings its Second Annual 7 v 7 High School Football Tournament to Charlotte this week, June 26 and 27. The tournament series began at the end of last month in Atlanta, then went on to Birmingham, and now it's Charlotte's turn, with the games taking place at Hough High School. It's open to the public to attend, admission is $3 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Cam Newton Foundation. So, this is your chance to see some of the area's best high school football players compete, while supporting a foundation that does a lot to aid and lead youth programs in Charlotte (where Cam lives and plays for the Carolina Panthers) and in Atlanta (his hometown).

Cam Newton performs drills with high school players at last year's Charlotte tournament.
Photos credit: Cam Newton Foundation

Each city features several teams of high school players that registered weeks in advance (teams consist of up to 20 players and four coaches), and--new this year--the top two teams from each city, along with select others, will play in the CNF 7v7 championship on July 11 and 12 at Nation Ford High School, just across the Charlotte border in Fort Mill.

Hough High won the Charlotte tournament last year, receiving $2,500 for the school's athletic department, and the second- and third-place finishers received $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. Team trophies and individual awards were also given.

Below is a short video recap from last year's Charlotte tournament, at which Cam was actively involved. "I wanna see unbelievable talent, I wanna see unbelievable sportsmanship, and I wanna see unbelievable swag," said the Panthers' star quarterback.

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Welcome Back, Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Bobcats officially became the Charlotte Hornets yesterday, returning the name of the city's original NBA team after being gone for 12 years. Many of you have been keeping up with this transition that's been in the works for the past year; some of you haven't; I have relatives living in other parts of the country who never realized the Hornets even left Charlotte. Well the name is back, and while I had my doubts in the past, I bee-lieve the excitement from the fans will bode well for the franchise this upcoming season and beyond.

New Hornets signage at Time Warner Cable Arena in Uptown. Credit: @CBJnewsroom

Here are a few things you should know, according to the Charlotte Hornets' official announcement yesterday:

• The team has secured all of the important online Hornets domains: hornets.com, facebook.com/hornets, twitter.com/hornets, instagram.com/hornets, google.com/+hornets.
• The new-look Hugo the Hornet mascot debuts June 5.
• On June 9, the franchise will officially launch its renamed charitable foundation (formerly known as Cats Care) and will spend that day volunteering on beautification projects at Hornets Nest Elementary School.
• The new purple and teal team uniforms will be unveiled on June 19.
• On June 26, the new playing floor will be revealed at Time Warner Cable Arena, just hours before the Hornets participate in the NBA Draft (the team has the ninth overall pick).
• The Charlotte Hornets will return to action July 11-21 at the 2014 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Also, as I'd previously blogged, the newly named Charlotte Honey Bees dance team (twitter.com/thehoneybees, instagram.com/thehoneybees) is holding auditions June 7.

Credit: Hornets

The Hornets also received a lot of love on social media from several of the city's other sports' professional athletes, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. (a nostalgic tweet) and Cam Newton (a swagged out Instagram video).

The Charlotte Hornets are back...again...for a third time. #BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/Nzn2vL2xTp
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 20, 2014

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Happy 25th Birthday Cam Newton!

Cam Newton turns 25 years old today. We tend to forget how young these star athletes are, when we're creating high demands and expectations of them on the playing fields and beyond. And Cam is entering his fourth season as the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, of which he's now the de facto leader. Add in that he has his own clothing line, a charitable foundation, and lives in the same Charlotte condo building as Michael Jordan (and he recently began using his Twitter account and joined Instagram), it's safe to say the young man has accomplished a lot in a few years.

Credit: Cam Newton Foundation

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Kid Cries Over Steve Smith Being Let Go From Carolina Panthers; No. 89 Gets Emotional Himself

In addition to the blog post I wrote, I went on a little bit of a rant these last couple of days on Twitter and Facebook and in person to my friends about how the Carolina Panthers mistreated their best player ever: Steve Smith.

After No. 89 was officially released from the Panthers Thursday, a group of fans protested outside of Bank of America Stadium. Credit: @GoCarolinas

A lot of us lifelong Panthers fans are angry and, actually, we probably feel more like young Gavin here. But I'm guessing Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman wants us to have the same outlook as little Sophia, Gavin's sister (that we should be happy because we have young stars in Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly). Watch the video below.

Meanwhile, Charlotte radio station Channel 96.1 FM put together a great tribute to Steve yesterday, blending Aloe Blacc's "The Man" with audio clips from some of No. 89's game highlights and press soundbites. It's very fitting because Steve Smith is The Man; it's just that now he'll be the man for some other team.

This morning, Mr. Ice Up Son tweeted that he teared up from the tribute.

@channel961 wow.... thanks guys. Teared up.. overwhelmed by how much support I've received. .. #iceupson u guys are the best
— Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) March 14, 2014

But don't think for a minute that Smitty is softening up. He's still one of the toughest, most fearless wide receivers to ever play the game, which we witnessed for 13 years on and off the field. And as he reminded us yesterday when he called into Charlotte's WFNZ "The Fan" 610 AM, and spoke about what the 2014 season will be like for him once he lands with a new team and if he ends up playing against the Panthers:

“They’re going to get the best, in-shape 35-year old guy that they can get. And if that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on because there is going to be blood and guts everywhere.”

The. Man.

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Steve Smith Deserves to Retire a Panther and Not Until a Year or Two From Now

NFL free agency started this week, so that's why you're seeing several reports of pro football players being signed, re-signed, traded, or released. The Carolina Panthers rarely do anything exciting during free agency--sometimes they hand out big contracts to keep important players intact, but the team doesn't usually bring in a star during this period. And maybe they don't have to. But what they have to do right now is keep Steve Smith.

The Smiths. Credit: instagram.com/aceandsmitty

There are all these different media reports about Smitty's fate, and what could take place this week between him and the Panthers (just Google Steve Smith right now and read). The two most-predicted scenarios are that the team will either trade him or release him. I understand how professional sports work. The players are treated like family, but when they start to age and become less productive, they're reminded that pro sports, especially the NFL where contracts aren't guaranteed, is a business. We've seen countless players play their entire careers with one team, earning many accolades and breaking records along the way, only to be pushed out once they reach their mid-30s. Steve turns 35 in May.

There's a "Save Steve Smith," #SaveSmitty campaign underway on social media.
Credit: teespring.com/savestevesmith

But here's why the Steve Smith/Carolina Panthers situation is different. To put it plainly, the Panthers don't have the resume to get rid of Steve. As my grandma and 'em used to say, they're smelling themselves, meaning they think they're more than what they are. Now, allow me to elaborate.

The Panthers are a relatively young franchise--2014 will be the team's 20th season. During those first 19 years, the Panthers have never had back-to-back winning seasons. Their all-time regular season record is a losing one: 144-160.

For several years, Steve was one of the only bright spots on the team. He gave us reasons to watch, when he made spectacular catches, amassed huge yardage, celebrated in the end zone, and snatched cornerbacks up by the collars during countless scuffles.

And let's not forget the abysmal 2009 and 2010 seasons, between the end of Jake Delhomme's tenure as the Panthers' starting QB and before Cam Newton's. Steve stuck with the team, when he was in his prime and could've asked to be traded for the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.

Steve's stats may have been down during the 2013 season, but he still led the team in catches and receiving yards.

He's played all 13 seasons of his NFL career so far with the Panthers. The way the league is now, with the over abundance of trading, the Panthers will likely never have another wide receiver play that long for them. So I think it's safe to say his team record of 836 receptions and 12,197 yards will never be surpassed, except by him if he is allowed to continue playing for the Panthers.

Steve is currently 19th on the NFL's all-time career receiving yards list. Only 600 yards separate him from the 15th spot held by Irving Fryar. So basically, if Steve plays in 2014, he should finish the season ranked 15th or 16th all-time--Andre Johnson, another active, top-notch receiver, is currently ranked two spots above him and would likely rise several more spots, therefore pushing everyone he surpasses down one. The Panthers will likely never have another top-15, or top-20 for that matter, all-time receiver again.

When his playing days are over, Steve will eventually make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making him the first career-long Panthers player to do so. It would be so much sweeter on that fateful day if No. 89 is able to say he only wore black, white, and blue his entire NFL career.

I know many within the Panthers organization are looking ahead to the future and are excited about the possibilities. The team has a star quarterback in Cam Newton and a star linebacker in Luke Kuechly. Cam turns 25 years old in May and Luke turns 23 in April, so these two have the potential to be the dominant faces of the franchise for the next decade.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has been with the team three years and general manager Dave Gettleman one year. They're the two, especially the GM, who'll have the most say on what happens with Steve. Let's hope they realize how valuable he is to not only lifelong Panthers fans, but also future ones.

#TBT I interviewed @89SteveSmith for @CharlotteMag May 2006 cover, #BOBAwards issue. @Panthers pic.twitter.com/cY0fApwovz
— Jarvis Holliday (@HollidayInk) March 6, 2014

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Forgot About Cam -- How the Panthers QB Stacks Up Now Against the Young Guns Who Stole His Swagger

"Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got something to say. But nothing comes out when they move their lips. Just a bunch of gibberish. And [mofos] act like they forgot about Dre." That's the chorus Eminem rapped with venom in Dr. Dre's 1999 hit song "Forgot About Dre." Dre, who'd experienced a resurgence in the music industry after signing Eminem and executive producing Em's massive-selling debut album released earlier that year, wanted to remind us that he's still one of the best in the game. I wouldn't be surprised if Cam Newton played "Forgot About Dre" on repeat throughout last spring and summer. I'm almost certain that he had the same attitude coming into this season: to remind us that he's still one of the best in the game.

Cam amazed the sports world during his rookie season in 2011 for the Carolina Panthers, in which he broke several NFL records on his way to passing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns along with rushing for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns, and making the Pro Bowl. While the Panthers still finished with a losing record at 6-10, it was a great improvement from the 2-14 season the year before Mr. Yes We Cam arrived. And it was fun and exciting to watch the Panthers play again (it used to be agonizing). Expectations were high for Cam and the Panthers for the 2012 season.

Credit: facebook.com/CamJNewton2

Because of Cam's rookie year performance, many NFL teams now believed they should take a chance on drafting college quarterbacks who were both a threat passing and running the ball. And instead of 2012 being a season that saw Cam's career continue to rise, it ended up being the year of the young quarterback--for other guys. Rookie QBs Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Griffin III (Washington _________), and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), plus second-year player Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers), who barely played and only attempted five passes his rookie season, all put up stellar numbers.

Cam's second-year stats were actually close to his first-year numbers, and on par with the numbers for the 2012 rookies except in the most important category: Wins. He led the Panthers to a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season--second in a row under his tutelage. Meanwhile, the 2012 young QB class of Andrew, RGIII, Russell, and Colin each led their teams to winning records and the playoffs, including the 49ers making it to the Super Bowl.

After just one year, mofos had forgotten about Cam. Coming into the 2013 season, most of the (non-Peyton Manning) quarterback buzz was about those four new guys. Cam's name was only mentioned in passing, but not mentioned for passing and rushing. (Get it?)

People in the sports world, just like in the real world, can be extremely fickle. Praise you one day; forget about you the next. Starting off the 2013 season, Cam didn't help his plight for relevancy again, though. The team lost its first two games, and three out of the first four. Things were looking bad, fast. But since then, the Panthers have won three in a row, by an average margin of victory of 19 points. Not only has the defense been playing incredible, but Cam has played great by, most importantly, eliminating the mistakes that would often cost them the game.

At 4-3, by no means is it time to celebrate the Panthers' season. It will still be a battle to make the playoffs. The Panthers' remaining schedule includes games against the 49ers, Patriots, and Saints (twice), each of which have only one or two losses so far. But as we approach the midway point of this season, I thought I'd compare where Cam is statistically against the four quarterbacks who took all of the attention away from him. Of the five of these age-25-and-younger star QBs, only Russell has a higher passer rating than Cam (the two of them rank seventh and eight among all NFL quarterbacks). The number of yards and touchdowns for each of the five guys are pretty much within the same range.

It should be noted that the Seahawks and 49ers have played eight games at this point, while the Panthers, Colts, and Washington have each played seven (because they've had bye weeks already).

Through week eight of the 2013 NFL season
Statistics according to NFL.com.

Russell Wilson Age: 24 (turns 25 on Nov. 29)
Eight games played.
Passing yards: 1,628
Touchdowns (passing): 13
Interceptions: 4
Passer rating: 99.0
Rushing yards: 339

Touchdowns (rushing): 0

Cam Newton Age: 24
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,552
Touchdowns (passing): 12
Interceptions: 5
Passer rating: 97.6
Rushing yards: 229
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Andrew Luck Age: 24
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,574
Touchdowns (passing): 10
Interceptions: 3
Passer rating: 91.3
Rushing yards: 183
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Colin Kaepernick Age: 25 (turns 26 on Nov. 3)
Eight games played.
Passing yards: 1,584
Touchdowns (passing): 9
Interceptions: 5
Passer rating: 87.6
Rushing yards: 294
Touchdowns (rushing): 3

Robert Griffin III Age: 23
Seven games played.
Passing yards: 1,878
Touchdowns (passing): 9
Interceptions: 8
Passer rating: 79.2
Rushing yards: 240
Touchdowns (rushing): 0

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Welp! At Least Cam Newton Isn't Wearing an Atlanta Falcons Hat

The NFL is the only professional sport where the players and teams continue to dominate sports news during their offseason. Guess that's how powerful and influential the league is. Or maybe it's just the around-the-clock sports networks needing to fill time during the summer when there's pretty much only baseball going on.

Well in recent days, we've learned that the San Francisco 49ers' breakout star quarterback Colin Kaepernick likes to rock a Miami Dolphins hat (see here and here) and isn't sorry for it. Then over the weekend, in an interview with The Atlanta Journal Constitution, it was revealed that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still an Atlanta Falcons fan. "I've always been a Falcons fan, and I'm still a Falcons fan except for those two times a year [when the Panthers play Atlanta]," Cam said.

His comments became big news today once ESPN got wind of it. See their analysts discuss it in the video below.


I don't have a problem with Cam being a Falcons fan. He did, after all, grow up in Atlanta, and it's common for us, as adults, to root for the same teams we were fans of since we were kids. But I have a problem with Cam admitting to being a Falcons fan in 2013. Granted, the AJC article was part of a wide-ranging interview with a reporter he sat down with after an event his Cam Newton Foundation put on for kids at a YMCA in Atlanta (his foundation does great charitable work in both the ATL and Charlotte). But Cam has to know that as the leader of the Carolina Panthers, he can't say anything that puts into question his desire to win in Carolina or loyalty to his team. I'm not questioning it--and, for the record, I'm a big fan of his--but he opens the door to that criticism.

Cam Newton at the School Pride Day his foundation hosted in May for more than 700 Charlotte middle school students. Credit: camnewtonfoundation.org

And at least Cam has ties to the NFL-team-he-paid-homage-to-but-doesn't-play-for. In regards to Colin, however, I can't figure out what's behind his audacity to wear a Dolphins hat--I don't think he's ever lived in Miami, and he didn't play college ball in that city--other than for the fashion statement he was trying to make, which continues to be popular with young guys who love wearing pro teams' hats and athletes' sneakers. Cam and Colin are both young--ages 24 and 25, respectively--so I believe a lot of this behavior and mindset can be attributed to them being born in the late '80s. Could you imagine Randall Cunningham wearing anything other than a Philadelphia Eagles cap back then?

This also reminds me of the time I chastised Cam for wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat to a Bobcats game. Looks like he was just ahead of the curve though.

But in comparison to the trouble some star NFL players get in, if all you or I have to complain about with our team's star quarterback is a little fondness he displays for another team, I'll take it.

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MJ's Bringing Back the Hornets; Your Move, Charlotte

So the "buzz" is real again in Charlotte. After several months, heck, even years, of fans wanting the Hornets name and mascot to return to Charlotte's NBA team, Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan announced last evening that the team has officially submitted their application to the NBA to change their name to the Charlotte Hornets, beginning with the 2014-15 season. They've created a new marketing campaign called "Back The Buzz" and have launched a website, BackBuzzCity.com. The Hornets returning is major news, obviously, for the city, but also for the state, region, across the entire league, and for millions of people who grew up Charlotte Hornets fans.

Photos credit: Bobcats.com

Aside from all the fanfare and away from all the sports reports you're reading, let me tell you what this all really means to you.

In Jordan's official statement, he said, in part: "The response we received during the process of researching this decision was overwhelming and made it clear to us that you wanted the Hornets name back in Charlotte." I believe that. I've lived in Charlotte since 2005, moving here a couple of months before the Bobcats embarked on their second season and first in their new Uptown arena (which eventually would be named Time Warner Cable Arena). Back then, many fans couldn't let go of having lost the Hornets to New Orleans, despite having been granted a new NBA franchise so quickly, thanks to NBA Commissioner David Stern and original Bobcats owner Bob Johnson.

Initially, I was against the idea of Charlotte getting the Hornets name back. I felt like the city and fans needed to embrace this new era, and stop holding onto the past. This was my view, and I'm one of those people who grew up a Charlotte Hornets fan, from my small town in South Carolina. I even chastised Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in December 2011 for wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat to a Bobcats home game (sitting next to Jordan at that). And, of course, up until a few months ago when the New Orleans Hornets announced they would be changing their mascot to the Pelicans, Charlotte getting the Hornets back wasn't even possible.

After grassroots campaigns like "Bring Back The Buzz" and "We Beelieve" launched a year or two ago and gained momentum, and after I met John Morgan of We Beelieve during the taping of an episode of 282 last year, I started to warm up to the idea. Now, it's no longer just an idea. It's on the path to becoming reality.

The Bobcats are going to have to spend a few million dollars as the team becomes the Hornets--new logos, uniforms, team colors, signage at the arena, around the city and the NBA; new merchandise--which means it's going to be extremely difficult to sell Bobcats gear during the 2013-14 season (expect major markdowns). Essentially by listening to the desire of fans and making this investment, Jordan is showing his commitment to this city and franchise, something that's been questioned in the past. I think some of his moves over the past couple of years, including his many philanthropic deeds in the community (the Book Bus, for example) and the purchase of an Uptown condo and, more recently, a mansion on Lake Norman, have quieted that doubt.

So now the move is on you, Charlotte. You asked for the Hornets, and they'll be yours again. You're going to need to pack out home games during the 2014-15 season, when your newly named team amasses another losing record. This isn't me being negative, this is my presumption based on recent history. The Bobcats finished with the worst record in the NBA in 2011-12 and the second-worst in 2012-13. That's the result of poor decisions and failed moves in the NBA Draft and with trades, and I don't expect the team--which is currently without a head coach--to play much better next season. In 2014-15, I expect the former-Bobcats-now-Hornets will continue to be far below .500.  But you're going to need to cheer them on at TWC arena, because those of you who frequently touted the nostalgia of the Charlotte Hornets often talked about how Charlotte Coliseum had sold-out crowds for several years, even when the Hornets weren't that good (364 consecutive home game sellouts from December 23, 1988 through November 21, 1997, to be exact). Because y'all were excited about the team. (In 2010, as part of Charlotte magazine's "Where Are They Now?" feature, I gave an update on all 15 players and the head coach of the inaugural 1988-89 Charlotte Hornets team, including Muggsy Bogues, Rex Chapman, Dell Curry, and Kelly Tripucka.)

Another thing that's often pointed out is how Charlotte Hornets gear, referred to as retro or throwbacks, saw a resurgence in popularity a couple of years ago and the trend continues today. My "Summer of the Snapbacks" blog post from nearly two years ago continues to get ridiculous traffic, largely from people Googling snapback hats, including the Hornets kind. Fashion is largely based on fads, but you're going to need to show your support by buying the "new" Charlotte Hornets stuff, beginning with the Back The Buzz merchandise Jordan Brand has just launched.

Time to show and prove, Charlotte Hornets fans.

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Win Free Registration for Your Kid to Attend 2013 Steve Smith Football ProCamp

The annual Steve Smith Football ProCamp is taking place June 10-11, 2013, and Showmars is giving away four spots to the camp with the Carolina Panther great. The camp is for children in grades first through eighth, and parents can enter to win a free registration for their child by filling out an entry form at any of the 28 Charlotte-area Showmars locations. Winners will be contacted on May 24.

Steve Smith autographing T-shirts at his Charlotte camp. Credit: facebook.com/SteveSmithCamp

The Steve Smith Football ProCamp, which takes place at Ardrey Kell High School and costs $149 to attend, is sold out. So this contest is one of the only ways you can get your kid in at this point. The features of the camp, according to the website, include: learning from and interacting with the 12-year Panthers veteran, a limited edition Steve Smith Football ProCamp T-shirt, autographed camp team photo with Steve, opportunity to participate in contests and win prizes, fun and educational experience stations and fundamentals, and more. In past years, Steve's teammates, like Cam Newton and DeAngelo Williams, have joined him at the camp, to the delight of the youth.

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Cam Newton's 'MADE' Clothing Line Debuts at Belk

Last fall, Belk announced its newly formed partnership with Cam Newton to produce a clothing line by the star Carolina Panthers quarterback. Now, MADE Cam Newton has officially arrived in stores. Belk, the exclusive seller of the line, describes it as:

"Modern fashion for the modern, Southern gentleman. Polished for the man who can put it all together. Designed for the man of action. Charismatic as the man who wears it. It's time to get MADE."

MADE offers an assortment of men's pants, shorts, shirts, T-shirts, suits, sportcoats, and ties. Cam is said to have worked closely with Belk's designers in crafting the line. You can tell he's a fan of close-fitting clothing. You don't have to have Cam's physique (we're mere mortals), but you pretty much have to be in shape or be somewhat slim to pull off wearing most of his pieces. (But then again, there are plans to launch MADE Big & Tall soon.) Personally, I like the suits.

 

Credit: pinterest.com/mybelk

The regular retail prices for the items are: complete suits, $500; suit separates, $80-$240; ties, $50; tees, $28-32; polo shirts, $40-45; long-sleeve woven shirts, $60-65; shorts, $50; pants, $60; and jackets, $120.

Charlotte-based Belk is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated department store chain with 301 stores located in 16 Southern states. MADE is being sold in 133 of those stores and at Belk.com.

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Cam Knows

What do Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and rappers Wiz Khalifa and Cam'ron have in common? They're all named Cameron (Cameron Newton, Cameron Thomaz, and Cameron Giles, respectively). Wiz just released the video for his new song "The Bluff," featuring Cam'ron. In his verse, Cam'ron says: "Put up y'all like we gambling. Next time we out here scrambling. / I'm Killa, he Wiz, but all our checks say Cameron."

Also in the video, Cam'ron takes advantage of his football namesake by wearing a "Cam Knows" Carolina Panthers Nike T-shirt. As for the football Cam, perhaps people are beginning to believe again that he does know, after a great performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the nationally televised game Monday night. This morning, the NFL named Cam Newton NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

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Cam Newton to Launch 'MADE' Clothing Line at Belk

Outside of Carolina Panthers home games, quarterback Cam Newton doesn't make too many public appearances in Charlotte. But he was all the talk this evening--and not about football--as he appeared at the Belk headquarters to announce the launch of his men's clothing line for spring 2013. Titled "MADE," the line will be sold exclusively at Belk, and today's launch event was complete with models, dancers, and an onstage chat with Cam.

Cam Newton has it MADE--modeling pieces from his spring collection. Credit: Belk, Inc.

It makes sense for Belk, the Charlotte-based chain that's the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company with 302 stores located in 16 Southern states, to want to partner with one of the NFL's biggest stars who's right here in their hometown. In a press release, Kathryn Bufano, president and merchandising officer for Belk, said, “Cam Newton personifies our company’s dedication to family, community and the Southern lifestyle, and therefore is a perfect complement to Belk’s modern Southern fashions.” As I've said repeatedly on this blog, Cam has quickly become one of the most marketable, highly endorsed athletes in all of sports.

But many people will question and criticize the timing of Cam's decision to launch a clothing line--plenty made such remarks on Twitter as word spread this evening--considering his lackluster play this season, which has the Panthers off to a 1-4 start. I'm sure this announcement was months in the works, and Cam wouldn't have anticipated his team playing so poorly come October--and him being scheduled to attend a fashion press conference, of all things, the day after a devastating home loss.

Cam joining Belk executives on stage at Monday's press conference. Credit: @ESPortillo.

But Cam would've been wiser to have waited a year before tackling an endeavor that gives critics the ammunition to say he's too concerned with being flashy and being a superstar--his Superman touchdown pose that was heralded during his rookie year, has come under scrutiny this season. If for nothing else, Cam should've gotten through his second season, proven that he wasn't going to have a sophomore slump, finish the season with a winning, or at least .500, record, and then do all of this clothing line business next fall.

But then again, why not strike while the iron is hot? I truly believe he's going to be a great player in this league for the next decade-plus, but if he does indeed suffer a full-on sophomore slump this season, there's no guarantee his name and likeness will be in such high demand a year from now.

Cool logo for MADE. Credit: Belk, Inc.

MADE, his clothing line, is described as "fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men." It's launching in spring 2013, and in fall 2013 it will expand to include accessories and shoes. Cam has proven himself to be a stylish dresser so I would expect high standards from a clothing line bearing his name.

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Cam Newton's 'This Is SportsCenter' Commercial

The "This Is SportsCenter" commercials by ESPN have been some of the best television show promos over the past decade (check out one guy's compilation of more than two dozen). The newest 30-second spot, released yesterday, features Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. It's okay, but I would've liked to have seen something funnier, more creative.

It's been three years since a Panthers player has been featured in a SportsCenter commercial, which was wide receiver Steve Smith in 2009. I really liked his.

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Cam Newton Covers GQ, Gatorade

Carolina Panthers' second-year quarterback Cam Newton continues his role as the most marketable professional athlete Charlotte has ever had. He appears on the cover of the September issue of GQ, one of two covers the leading men's magazine has published for its NFL Kick-Off issue. The other cover features the world's most famous backup quarterback, Tim Tebow, who, coincidentally, Cam backed up for one year at the University of Florida before transferring and eventually having that legendary season at Auburn that led to him winning the Heisman Trophy, college national championship, and becoming the No. 1 pick by the Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Credit: twitter.com/GQFashion

Cam, who rarely grants media interviews outside of brief pressers at Panthers practice sessions or post-game press conferences, opens up to GQ writer Brett Martin, who writes a great story. He takes you inside Cam's inner sanctum of agents, sponsors, trainers, and his family. You can read the story here as well as check out a photo gallery that features him in a sports-influenced fashion shoot, including a few pics of him with the TopCats cheerleaders.

The 23-year-old is also featured on a limited-edition Gatorade bottle.

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NFL Films Takes Look Back at Carolina Panthers' First-Ever Preseason Game

Long before Charlotte set its sights on hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention, it focused on other lofty goals like landing an NFL franchise. As you know, the city accomplished that when the Carolina Panthers were born in 1995. On this day, July 29, of that year, the Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL's other expansion team, played each other in each team's first-ever preseason game. That contest was the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio and the Panthers won 20-14. In honor of this day, NFL Films put together a great video recapping that game (click here to watch -- it wouldn't allow me to embed). It also digs back into the vaults to include footage of the NFL commissioner announcing that the Carolina Panthers had been unanimously selected as a new franchise, how Charlotteans rejoiced, and shows team owner Jerry Richardson thanking all of the people in Charlotte and the Carolinas who bought those 40,000 PSLs (personal seat licenses) for the inaugural season.

The 1995 Carolina Panthers.

If you want to do some more reminiscing on that inaugural Panthers team, click here to read the article I wrote two years ago for the "Where Are They Now?" August 2010 issue of Charlotte magazine. I gave updates on all 25 starters and the head coach of that 1995 team.

Now as for the current Panthers team, they play their first preseason game of the 2012 season on Saturday, August 11, at 7 p.m., against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. A week earlier, on Saturday, August 4, the Panthers host their annual Fan Fest. The all-day event is free and open to the public, and will feature the Blue 5K Road Race, interactive games, face painting, visits by the TopCats and Sir Purr, and a team practice with your favorite players like Cam Newton, Steve Smith, and Jon Beason.

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Happy Birthday Cam Newton!

Cam Newton turned 23 years old today. It has to feel awesome to be that young, that rich, and that successful with such a bright future ahead.

The Carolina Panthers quarterback said and did all the right things his first year in the NFL and in Charlotte. I'm not sure if he's celebrating his birthday here or in his hometown of Atlanta, but I would think he would want to spend time breaking in the condo at The Trust he recently purchased in Uptown.

Cupcrazed Cakery in Fort Mill made these cupcakes in honor of Cam's birthday.

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Cam Newton's in Finals for 'Madden NFL 13' Cover

Carolina Panthers star quarterback Cam Newton is a finalist in the vote to appear on the cover of Madden NFL 13. He's up against Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. After nearly a month of competition between 32 top NFL players in a tournament bracket-style contest, spread over four previous rounds (this is the fifth and final round) with fans given a week to vote in each round, it's now down to two of the most exciting offensive players in the league. Superman (Cam) versus Megatron (Calvin). They're both Georgia natives, and at ages 22 and 26, whomever doesn't win the cover this year, will surely have several more opportunities in the future.

As a Carolina kid (SC native), current Charlotte resident, and Panthers fan since the team began in 1995, I'm absolutely rooting for Cam to win. He would be the first player to ever grace the prestigious video game cover after just one year in the league (Madden has featured a top NFL player on the cover each year since 1999). And it would be another milestone that No. 1 is bringing to the Panthers franchise (wide receiver Steve Smith is the only other Panthers player who's ever come remotely close to Madden cover consideration). Until Cam's arrival last year and amazing rookie season, Charlotte hadn't possessed a top-tier, superstar athlete, whose fame and marketability is as big as his play, since Larry Johnson during the Charlotte Hornets heydays of the 1990s. Cam is quickly eclipsing that.

The first Madden video game, then called John Madden Football, debuted in 1988. That was around the time my brother and I got our first Nintendo video game console. Video games, which I haven't played regularly in several years, sure have changed a lot since then. When Madden games today are played on a high-definition TV, they can almost be confused for a real-life NFL game. It continues to be a top-seller and is approaching the 100-million-copies-sold plateau. A lot of dudes anticipate the release of the new game each year the way some people crave the next iPhone. Many chicks know the game as the thing that keeps their guy from spending quality time with them.

The Madden NFL 13 cover vote finals between Cam and Calvin started yesterday and ends Wednesday, April 25. The winner will be revealed that day at 5 p.m. on SportsNation on ESPN2. Go to espn.com/maddenvote now to vote for Cam. That is, unless you believe in the whole Madden Curse thing. I don't.

By the way, did you know a statue of Cam was unveiled last week at Auburn University? The Tigers honored their three Heisman Trophy winners--Cam (2010), Bo Jackson (1985), and Pat Sullivan (1971)--with life-sized statues. Watch the video here.

UPDATE 4/20/12: In this video below, Cam Newton--after running through a long list of aliases--explains why he deserves to be on the Madden NFL 13 cover and challenges his co-finalist Calvin Johnson to play him in the video game. Plus, in what he's calling the CAMpaign Challenge, he invites you Madden gamers to play him by sending an email to playcam@cam1newton.com with your full name, phone number, and gamer tag, and he'll select one or some of you.  

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Cam Newton's 'Night Out' in New Under Armour Commercial

If you weren't quite convinced of Cam Newton's star power during his record-breaking rookie season with the Carolina Panthers, this new commercial by Under Armour should finally make you a believer. It's becoming clear that the sportswear and apparel company plans on making the NFL Rookie of the Year the face of its brand. Why wouldn't you, with a 22-year-old, who's built like he was created in a video game, has Hollywood looks, and, most importantly, became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards (4,051 to be exact) and rush for at least 500 yards (706) in a single season.

The title of the 60-second spot is "Cam's Night Out." It was filmed at Bank of America Stadium--see, when you're a star, the camera and production crews come to you--as you can tell by the Panther-blue stadium seats. Starring in the commercial with Cam is crazy producer/live beat-maker AraabMuzik. Why? Because the football field/stadium is Cam's club, and Araab is his DJ. It's a creative concept they have going in the commercial. But who knows, it could be truer than you think. Cam is hardly ever spotted at nightclubs in Charlotte, unlike many of the city's other young, rich, professional athletes. It's nothing wrong with popping mad bottles at the likes of Butter and Suite when you make more in a week than most of us make in a year.

But staying out of the nightclub and staying in the weight room and on the field seems to be working pretty well so far for Cam. And it's got him starring in one of the coolest athlete commercials I've seen in awhile, which, reportedly, is the first time Under Armour has created a campaign centered on a single athlete.

You see Cam perform some ridiculously athletic moves. It trips me out how he dribbles a football like it's a basketball, which you've probably seen him do on occasion. He ends the commercial with his signature touchdown celebration move--the Superman pose, which we hope we see a lot of next fall.

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