Ex-Panthers star Steve Smith Sr fires back at Cam Newton over ‘locker room of losers’ remark

A Heated Exchange Between Former Panthers Legends Sparks Conversation

The world of professional football is no stranger to controversy, and a recent exchange between two former Carolina Panthers stars has once again put the spotlight on the team’s storied past. Steve Smith Sr., a fan-favorite wide receiver who spent 13 seasons with the Panthers, came to the defense of his former teammates after Cam Newton, the team’s franchise quarterback from 2011 to 2019, referred to the players he inherited as "losers" during a recent podcast appearance. Newton’s comments have sparked a heated debate about respect, legacy, and the challenges of building a winning culture in the NFL.

The Panthers’ Journey Before Cam Newton

To understand the context of Newton’s remarks, it’s important to look back at the state of the Carolina Panthers before his arrival. The Panthers had experienced moments of success prior to the 2011 season, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2003 and three playoff berths in the early 2000s. However, the team hit rock bottom in 2010, finishing with a dismal 2-14 record. This poor performance earned them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, which they used to select Cam Newton, a dynamic and highly touted quarterback from Auburn University.

Newton’s arrival marked a turning point for the franchise. Despite the team’s struggles in 2010, there were still experienced and accomplished players on the roster, including Steve Smith Sr., who had been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2001. Smith, a seventh-round draft pick turned Pro Bowl receiver, had seen the highs and lows of the Panthers’ journey and was instrumental in shaping the team’s identity during his tenure. Newton’s comments seemed to overlook the contributions of players like Smith, who had already established themselves as winners before Newton’s arrival.

Cam Newton’s Remarks and the Reaction

During an interview on the Overtime podcast, Newton reflected on the challenges he faced when he first joined the Panthers. He described the locker room as a place where "losers" resided, suggesting that many of his teammates lacked the mindset and work ethic needed to succeed. "Guys didn’t know how to win; guys didn’t know how to prepare. They didn’t take themselves serious to realize we were 2-14. There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys," Newton said. While his comments were likely intended to highlight the cultural shift he helped bring to the team, they came across as dismissive and disrespectful to the players who laid the foundation for his success.

Steve Smith Sr. Defends His Former Teammates

Steve Smith Sr. wasted no time in responding to Newton’s comments, taking to social media to voice his disappointment. "53-man locker room – 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89," Smith wrote, referencing his jersey number and implying that Newton was the only "non-loser" in the room. Smith acknowledged that the team had struggled during the 2010 season but emphasized that labeling his former teammates as losers was unfair and disrespectful. He also pointed out that he had never shied away from criticizing the Panthers organization when warranted, but this was different. "Calling the men in the locker room losers isn’t slander; it’s disrespectful!" he said.

The Broader Implications for the Panthers

The back-and-forth between Smith and Newton has brought attention to a larger issue facing the Carolina Panthers: the lack of stability and success in recent years. Since Newton’s departure in 2019, the team has struggled to find its footing, with five different head coaches and a string of losing seasons. The Panthers have not had a winning record since 2017, and their last playoff appearance was the same year. In 2023, the team bottomed out with a 2-15 record, though they showed some improvement in 2024, finishing 5-12. The constant turnover and lack of postseason success have left fans frustrated and wondering when the Panthers will return to prominence.

Moving Forward: The Legacy of the Panthers’ Alumni

While Cam Newton and Steve Smith Sr. may have differing opinions about the state of the Panthers’ locker room during their overlapping time with the team, one thing is clear: their contributions to the franchise’s history cannot be overstated. Newton brought excitement and hope to Carolina, leading the team to Super Bowl 50 in 2015 and earning numerous accolades along the way. Smith, on the other hand, was a consistent and reliable leader who embodied the heart and soul of the Panthers for over a decade. Their legacies are intertwined with that of the franchise, and their opinions carry weight with fans and former teammates alike.

As the Panthers continue to rebuild and search for their next era of success, the words of their most famous alumni serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the team’s identity. While debates about the past are inevitable, the focus for the Panthers and their fans should remain on the future and the potential for a resurgence that will make Carolina proud once again.