Although Brock Purdy helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, critics have targeted the quarterback, most notably former NFL star Cam Newton, who has labeled the 24-year-old signal-caller a "game manager."
During a recent appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," Newton opened up about his controversial Purdy comments, noting he has nothing against the MVP candidate.
.@CameronNewton explains his comments about Brock Purdy being a game manager.
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) February 7, 2024
"Game changer is in the top sphere of talent. Are we saying that Brock Purdy is in the realm? We have to normalize the truth. This is not coming from malice." pic.twitter.com/zFr1NbVCMK
"I think we have to stop this narrative that I do not like Brock Purdy. That's not the case. I'm a fan of Brock Purdy," Newton said. "...I just call it how I see it, and I think what he's been able to do with getting guys the football has been something that we've seen a lot of people do, but not at this level."
The former Carolina Panthers standout had called Purdy the 10th-most important player on the 49ers roster, upsetting many people. Newton isn't backing down on those claims, though.
"That's just the truth," Newton argued. "We just have to normalize the truth."
The 2015 NFL MVP said he didn't intend to criticize Purdy and admitted that to be successful, you can be a game manager rather than a play-maker.
Newton said the only "game changers" among NFL QBs are Aaron Rodgers of the Jets, Joe Burrow of the Bengals, Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens and Josh Allen of the Bills.
Newton hasn't played in the league since a second stint with the Panthers ended in 2021, but he's found a way to remain relevant with his hot takes. Some are appreciated and some aren't.
Either way, Newton won't stop speaking his mind, whether people like it or not.
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