Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has publicly come to the defense of Arch Manning, who made the surprising decision to remain a backup quarterback at the University of Texas for two seasons.
Newton, speaking on his podcast 4th & 1, reflected on his own early college career, comparing his time backing up Tim Tebow at Florida to Manning’s situation at Texas.
Manning, a highly anticipated recruit from the legendary Manning football family, has faced criticism for spending two years behind Quinn Ewers, who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Some have questioned why Manning didn’t seize the opportunity to start sooner. However, Newton believes that Manning’s decision to remain at Texas was a deliberate and strategic one.
He argues that the Manning family intentionally chose Texas to place Arch in an environment where he could grow steadily into an elite quarterback, rather than rushing into immediate playing time.
“A lot of these parents and a lot of these players get so jaded off of the fact that, ‘hey, I’m trying to play early,'” Newton explained. “Scratch that. Go somewhere that after three years, you can put yourself in the position to go to the league.”
Newton emphasized that instant starting opportunities don’t always equate to true growth as a player. Instead, taking the time to develop behind a skilled player and learn valuable lessons can lead to much greater success down the road.
Newton familiar with Manning’s situation
Newton compared Manning’s situation to his own experience at Florida, where he spent time as a backup to Tim Tebow. Although Newton believed he was more talented than Tebow, he admits that his time behind the future NFL star taught him crucial lessons about leadership and preparation-lessons that helped shape his future career.
“Arch would be a fool if he has not learned anything from Quinn Ewers,” Newton remarked. “How he prepared, how he led his team, and just how he handled and managed the expectations for being a quarterback at a university like Texas.”
As Manning transitions into his first season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns, he faces high expectations. With Ewers now gone, Manning will have the opportunity to take the reins and lead the team. Early predictions have already placed him in the Heisman Trophy conversation, marking a potential major milestone in his career.
Newton shared his own perspective on the Heisman, noting that the award is often about hype-how much attention and buzz a player can generate throughout the season.
In the era of the transfer portal and instant gratification, where players often seek immediate starting opportunities, Newton’s defense of Manning’s choice highlights a more measured approach.
It underscores the importance of patience and long-term development in a player’s growth. As Manning prepares to lead Texas this season, all eyes will be on him to see if his time as a backup has prepared him for the challenge ahead, and whether his growth will translate into success on the field.
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