For years, the NFL world has wondered why Cam Newton, a former league MVP, is still a free agent. After his one-year deal with the Panthers expired in 2021, teams simply weren’t willing to take a chance on the veteran. And even though the 36-year-old has made it clear he is not ready to retire, the league has moved on, leaving the once-electrifying quarterback on the outside looking in. But it seems he knows why no team pursued him.

“I know what it comes to me. The personality, bro. They folks don’t want a Shedeur (Sanders) situation,” said Cam Newton on the December 10 episode of his podcast, 4th&1 With Cam Newton.

They aren’t used to his Superman personality anymore. Plus, even the Panthers don’t want injury-related concerns to hit them as they did in 2018 and 2019.

“I know why the Indianapolis coach didn’t sign me,” Newton added.

He was amused as the Colts brought back QB Philip Rivers from retirement after Daniel Jones sustained a torn Achilles. Rivers, who spent five years away from the league, will join the team’s practice squad.

Regardless, Newton also talked about his Snapchat, where he posted a few videos of himself working out in the gym and showing peak physical condition. But the league has moved on. That said, he also shared his retirement stance.

“I did not [retire] and will not because of an opportunity like this [Philip Rivers],” Newton further said, emphasizing the fact that Rivers is 44 years old and still got signed.

So, could the Panthers do something similar and sign a contract with Newton?

Well, that could have been a possibility had there been no rift between them. For instance, the franchise decided to honor its 2015 team in Germany, and as a part of that, players like Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Greg Olsen, and Jonathan Stewart were present. However, Newton was not invited, and the reason was that the former QB didn’t formally retire from the league.

Regardless, Newton was hurt. After all, he had played 10 seasons for them and was a big part of their history.

And earlier this year, a Panthers spokesperson claimed that they are always open to Cam Newton and other legends. But the veteran player hinted at a “difference” between his mindset and the owner, David Tepper. These things have stopped both sides from reaching out to each other.

Could Cam Newton’s star status have intimidated the teams?

When the New England Patriots released the veteran in 2021, it left fans shocked. There seemed to be no clear landing spot for the QB.

Speculations suggested he would be considered for the Cowboys’ backup job after the team waived both Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert. That left Cooper Rush as their only signal caller behind Dak Prescott. However, the team went ahead with Will Grier, who was released by the Panthers.

Then, there was reporter Ian Rapoport, who mentioned something interesting. He suggested that Newton’s status in the NFL could make teams hesitant to get him in as a backup.

“Sometimes you don’t want a backup quarterback to overpower or over-star the starter. That may happen with Cam Newton,” Rapaport suggested. “This is a guy who a lot of the players in the locker room grew up worshipping.”

While Carolina signed him, 2021 was the last season he played in the NFL. He was 32 then and could have played a few more years. It was simply not meant to be.