The legend came home and Jordan-Hare Stadium erupted in celebration.
Cam Newton, the quarterback who led Auburn to its first national championship in more than 50 years, returned to the Plains for the ultimate honor of having his No. 2 jersey officially retired at halftime of the Tigers’ primetime game against Georgia.
In front of a sold-out crowd, Newton was celebrated not only for what he accomplished, but how quickly he did it. In just one season at Auburn, Newton left a legacy that still echoes throughout college football. His 2010 campaign was arguably the greatest single season by a player in program and SEC history.
“Words can’t even express the amount of gratitude I’m walking in right now,” Newton said before the game. “To be able to share this moment with my friends, my family… this is every athlete’s dream.”
Newton’s journey to stardom was anything but typical. A five-star recruit out of Westlake High School in Atlanta, Newton began his career at Florida, backing up Tim Tebow. After transferring to Blinn Junior College and leading them to a national title, Newton arrived at Auburn with raw talent, unmatched athleticism, and something to prove.
In 2010, Newton threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns, rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores, and even caught a touchdown pass, accounting for 51 total touchdowns and over 4,300 yards of total offense. He became the first player in SEC history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season.
His accolades that season were as impressive as his stats. Heisman Trophy winner, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year, and most importantly, a national champion. Newton led Auburn to a perfect 14-0 season, an SEC Championship, and a dramatic BCS National Championship victory over Oregon.
“The best opportunity was when [Coach Gene Chizik] called me into his office and told me I was the starting quarterback,” Newton recalled. “There was frustration, there were tears, but the goal was always to bring something to Auburn that hadn’t been done in a long time.”
On Saturday night, that journey came full circle. Newton became just the fourth player in Auburn history to have his jersey retired, joining Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Bo Jackson (No. 34), and Terry Beasley (No. 88).
“There’s nothing like the Auburn family,” Newton said. “I may have only been here one season, but this place gave me everything. And I’ll never stop giving back.”
One legendary No. 2 now immortalized forever in Auburn history.
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