The Carolina Panthers, at least at this very moment, are not in the market for a new quarterback. And if they were, the greatest player in their organization’s history, who still happens to be available, would probably be near the bottom of that list.
He is, though, apparently pretty high up in consideration elsewhere.
Former Panthers quarterback and franchise great Cam Newton, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, has now been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. This is a notable change in status for the 32-year-old, who had not received the treatment at the time of his release from the New England Patriots on Aug. 31.
From @gmfb Weekend: Sources tell me and @RapSheet teams have been told Cam Newton is now vaccinated. So the debate on whether that's an impediment to his being back in the NFL is now moot. pic.twitter.com/SefERRGLfH
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 16, 2021
Given the highly contagious nature of the virus, players who are not vaccinated present a risk to their respective teams, both to their health and from a competitive standpoint. The Panthers have experienced that firsthand this season, in the cases of right guard John Miller and the largely absent New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff back from their Week 2 matchup.
Newton’s apparent decision also comes in step with a nod from Panthers beat reporter Sheena Quick that teams have been in contact with the former Most Valuable Player.
So while it won’t be back with Carolina, we could soon be seeing the return of (you know we have to do it) . . . Superman.
