Philip Rivers’ shocking return to the Indianapolis Colts has left the NFL world nostalgic, including Cam Newton, who’s been waiting on a similar call from a quarterback-needy team.
The 36-year-old Newton is not officially retired but hasn’t played since a rocky return to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Still, he’s remained in shape and even shared a video detailing his intense daily workout regimen a few months ago. So when Newton heard that Rivers, 44, got his ticket back into the league, he couldn’t help but take it personally.
“It’s almost like a slap to my face,” Newton said on his 4th&1 podcast.
Cam Says CALL HIM After Rivers Returns, Shedeur DISRESPECT Continues & Richard Sherman WRONG
New episode of 4th&1 out now!
📺: https://t.co/hdru5DuZV7pic.twitter.com/or8TykRhYd
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) December 10, 2025
Some have defended Rivers’ signing because he has history with Shane Steichen and his offensive scheme, but Newton isn’t hearing any of that.
“I don’t give a damn if [Rivers] was in their family,” Newton said. “He’s 44 years old, bro. Why do people hold Cam Newton to a standard that you aren’t holding to everyone else?”
Newton, one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, dealt with injuries to his throwing shoulder that limited his career to 11 seasons. Perhaps the time away has allowed him to heal, and here’s hoping he gets his Rivers-like comeback opportunity.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cam Newton is salty over Philip Rivers’ return to Colts
