Auburn University honored Cam Newton's exceptional career by officially retiring his No. 2 jersey during the halftime of the Georgia game. This momentous occasion marked the fourth player in Auburn's history to receive this prestigious recognition. Newton's No. 2 jersey now joins the ranks of Pat Sullivan's No. 7, Terry Beasley's No. 88, and Bo Jackson's No. 34, becoming an iconic symbol of Auburn football excellence. The ceremony, held at Jordan-Hare Stadium, featured a spectacular light show, further emphasizing Newton's impact on the program.
Newton's gratitude was palpable as he expressed his emotions, "Words can't even express the amount of gratitude I feel right now. Sharing this moment with my friends and family is what it's all about. I've given back to so many kids and created lasting memories. Being able to share these memories on such a grand scale is every athlete's dream."
The 2010 season was a testament to Newton's greatness. He led the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 record, securing an SEC championship and a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Oregon in the BCS national championship game, Auburn's most recent national title. Newton's achievements during this historic season were remarkable: he was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year, earned consensus All-American honors, and won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the school's third Heisman recipient, joining Sullivan (1971) and Jackson (1985). His dual-threat abilities were evident as he threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores.
Auburn athletic director John Cohen praised Newton's impact, 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 ambition to surpass Bo Jackson's legacy was evident in his own words, "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 at Auburn."
As Auburn continues to honor its football legends, Newton's jersey retirement serves as a reminder of the program's rich history and the athletes who have left an indelible mark on its success.
