It is four years since Newton was a franchise starter.
As the Panthers recently took to the field in Germany, some recognisable faces were seen around the city.
Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Jonathan Stewart were seen taking part in organised fan events in Munich.
During an episode of the ‘4th & 1 with Cam Newton’ podcast, it was brought up that those players were there representing the organisation and Newton would have gone if he was invited.
Newton went on to tell a story. He began by stating he had no quarrel with Panthers owner David Tepper or anybody in the organisation.
The story was that last year he was in the Panthers facility. While there, Newton’s eight-year-old son noticed something and asked his dad: “Where are your pictures?”
Cam Newton is the Panthers all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns. He leads all NFL quarterbacks in history for rushing touchdowns. He is the only Panthers player in history to win league MVP.
Newton has always been underappreciated in NFL circles. Sure, he showed signs of slowing down as a passer due to persistent shoulder injuries towards the end of his career.
Perhaps some fans should go back and watch game film from 2011 to 2015.
Newton was the most electric dual-threat quarterback the league had ever seen after being picked first overall in the 2011 draft.
He broke records for the most combined touchdowns for a rookie.
He became the only rookie to pass for more than 4,000 yards and rush for more than 700 yards.
Newton was also the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back-to-back games.
The lack of display at the Panthers facility for their greatest ever quarterback is apparently down to his unwillingness to officially retire.
Why will Newton not retire?
Newton admits he is finished with football but will never officially retire. Newton has not been a starting quarterback in the NFL since the beginning of the 2020 season where he turned out for the New England Patriots.
The 2024 season is the third straight where he has not played a single down.
So what will it take for the Panthers to build bridges with one of their greatest ever players?
Does Newton really need to be a retiree to be respected by the Panthers and receive gratitude for his accomplishments?
And then what comes next, Panthers Ring of Honor or NFL Hall of Fame ballots?
Should Cam Newton just bite the bullet and declare his retirement officially?
