Auburn University officially retired Cam Newton's iconic No. 2 jersey during a halftime ceremony against their arch-rivals, Georgia, on a Saturday night. This momentous occasion illuminated the Jordan-Hare Stadium with a dazzling light show, immortalizing Newton's name and number. Newton's achievement marks him as the fourth player in Auburn's history to receive this prestigious honor. His jersey number now joins the ranks of legendary players like Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Terry Beasley (No. 88), and Bo Jackson (No. 34), becoming an untouchable symbol in Auburn football history.
Newton expressed his profound gratitude, stating, 'Words can't even express the amount of gratitude I feel right now.' He shared this special moment with his loved ones, emphasizing the significance of giving back to the community and creating lasting memories. This sentiment resonates with every athlete's dream.
The ceremony celebrated Newton's remarkable 2010 season, where he led the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 record, claiming the SEC championship and defeating Oregon in the BCS national championship game. This victory marked Auburn's most recent national title. Newton's outstanding performance that year earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year, consensus All-American honors, and the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He became the school's third Heisman recipient, joining the ranks of Sullivan (1971) and Jackson (1985). Newton's versatility on the field was evident as he threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores.
Auburn's athletic director, John Cohen, praised Newton's lasting impact on the university and athletics, stating, 'Retiring Cam's jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn athletics for all time.' Newton's humility and determination to surpass Jackson's legacy inspired him to challenge future generations of Auburn athletes, saying, 'When I came to Auburn, I had a simple idea: I wanted to be better than Bo Jackson. I'm challenging the next generation to strive for excellence and make their mark.'
