Cam Newton is speaking out about the unequal pay gap that exists for some athletes when they pivot from the professional sports to the media world. But his assessment may not be telling the full story.
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For context, his comments came during a recent interview on his “Funky Friday” podcast where sports journalist and author Jemele Hill accompanied him as his guest. During their chat, they discussed the small amount of Black former professional quarterbacks and pro athletes that contribute regular game analysis on TV. As you may remember, Newton joined “First Take” in October 2024 and expanded his role in August 2025, essentially taking over the spot that was occupied by Shannon Sharpe.
When Hill incorrectly brought up the fact that he was “the only” Black quarterback to have a position like that, the Carolina Panthers’ alum then divulged that he didn’t get offered the same deal or pay as white quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Tony Romo.
“Can we keep it funky? I don’t get no Brady deal. I don’t get no Romo deal. That’s just facts,” he told Hill. “Am I bitter? Hell nah. ‘Cause knowing what I know now, being a member of the media, I know that Brady worked his ass off, or has to work his ass off to get prepared for that show that he presents to the world. So does Romo. As he’s commentating, I can appreciate that, and I can see why he makes the type of money that he does make now.”
Now Cam, it’s good that you don’t feel no type of way about not getting paid as much as Brady specifically because he is quite literally thee GOAT in football. That’s not to say that you’re not hella talented too, but in comparison to Brady–there’s no comparison. What’s more is that you might ought to be a bit more grateful for the opportunity to be on “First Take” in the first place considering how there was talks of you being unprofessional and not as knowledgable. And then, who could forget certain past remarks that many viewed as sexist and the litany of stories about your personal life that tend to negatively make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Of course, there’s a pay equity gap for Black folks and white folks in any industry, we’re not saying that that has to be ignored. But sometimes it is better to take a step back and realize how good you’ve got it and what other factors may be contributing into a situation.
Straight From 
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