Does Cam Newton Have a Chance at Being a First-Ballot Hall of Famer?

Cam Newton is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027, but will he get in?

Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks on during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 sparked major controversy, particularly due to the absence of a few New England legends who didn’t get in. Now that the class has been announced, of course, it is headlined by Carolina Panthers former All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is notoriously hard to get into, even for players who had great careers, and one player who had a great career is going to be eligible in 2027: Cam Newton. 

Is Cam Newton a FIRST-BALLOT Hall of Famer?

• 2015 NFL MVP
• 2015 Offensive Player of the Year
• 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year
• 3x Pro Bowl selection
• First rookie to throw for 4,000+ yards
• 2nd-most games w/ 1+ pass & rush TD

You decide. pic.twitter.com/nFhkIAFgSe

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 6, 2026

Newton has a compelling case, second all-time in games with one passing and rushing touchdown, the first rookie to ever throw for over 4000 yards, and of course Newtons 2015 season is one of the most dominant in NFL history. Those are just a few Newtons accomplishments. 

The problem for Cam Newton is that his peak didn’t last as long as it needed to. Newton had the legendary 2015 run, winning league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year whilst leading Carolina to Super Bowl 50. But the issue is that it was Newton’s only season with more than 24 touchdown passes thrown.

2015 MVP Cam Newton was built different 😤 @Invisalign pic.twitter.com/2qRXbk5i41

— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026

Not only did Cam Newton’s peak not last long enough, but injuries also played a major factor in his career, especially after his MVP season. Newton suffered a shoulder injury, for which he underwent surgery not once but twice, completely changing how he threw the ball. 

Newton also had foot and back issues throughout his career. He had back issues early in his career that lingered, and a Lisfranc injury on his foot that he notoriously hid in 2019; when it came to light, he was placed on IR.

The other problem for Newton is that there are other eligible quarterbacks with a stronger case than he does, guys like Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning, who have both won Super Bowls and have longer careers. 

Nov 8, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) embraces Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) following their game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images | Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Then there’s the non-QBs who are eligible, Rob Gronkowski, who should be a first ballot but might get snubbed based on the pattern that’s been shown with Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. Adrian Peterson is another who should be a lock first ballot; he’s the last non-QB to win NFL MVP. 

Cam Newton had a great career and gave Panthers fans the best moments in franchise history, but he has no shot at being a first ballot Hall of Famer, and it’s not even a snub like it was when he somehow didn’t make the College Football Hall of Fame. 

While Cam Newton was electric to watch and had an all-time season, a first-ballot Hall of Fame nod isn’t happening, and chances are second and third aren’t either. 

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