The Auburn Tigers have a storied and rich football tradition with some of the most passionate fans in all of college football.
In their long history with football on the Plains, it’s hard to argue any one player had more of an impact on the program in a season than Heisman-winning quarterback Cam Newton.
Carrying the Tigers offense to a national title, Newton’s 2010 season was one of the best campaigns in college football history — and part of the reason why Auburn is so revered among the nation’s best programs.
Astoundingly though, Newton was not among the small, elite fraternity of Tiger greats to have their number retired and displayed in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Even though no one has worn No. 2 for Auburn since Newton, it’s being made official this year.
In an awesome video, AU Athletics Director John Cohen and Deputy Athletics Director Tim Jackson broke the news to Newton in a surprise to ensure he was the first to hear it.
Newton’s No. 2 jersey will join just three others in the rafters: Bo Jackson’s No. 34, Pat Sullivan’s No. 7 and Terry Beasley’s 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.”
“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,” Cohen said. “Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.”
Newton got the chance to talk to current head coach Hugh Freeze while he was on campus and visit with the players as well:
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
