Cam Newton Enters the Draft

Updated: January 14, 2011

To pretty much no one’s surprise Cam Newton has decided to enter the NFL Draft earlier today. He will be leaving Auburn after winning the Heisman and National Championship in his first and only year starting in the FBS.

It appears that his father Cecil Newton will be his manager. Insert your jokes about that in the comments.

Here are the details from the Associated Press:

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft after leading Auburn to a national championship and drawing nearly as much attention for a pay-for-play scandal as for his dynamic performances.

Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the quarterback’s decision following his lone year as a major college starter. Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night.

“This decision was difficult for me and my family,” Newton said, adding that he made it after talking to coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. “It’s been a blessing for me to be a part of something so great,” he said.

The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial. He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services during Mississippi State’s recruitment of his son. The NCAA found that Cam Newton didn’t know of his father’s scheme.