‘Game Manager,’ Really? Cam Newton’s Shocking Snub of Jalen Hurts Sparks Outrage

Cam Newton has always been a polarizing figure, both as a player and now as a media personality.

Known for his boldness and flair, Newton has seamlessly transitioned into his new role as an NFL analyst, bringing the same level of showmanship to the media world as he did to the field.

However, his latest take on Jalen Hurts has landed him in hot water, with fans accusing him of being petty, inconsistent, and unfair in his evaluation of the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback.

The controversy began when Newton released his top 10 quarterback rankings for the 2025 offseason.

The list included big names like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, as well as some surprising picks like Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield.

But conspicuously absent was Jalen Hurts, a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the league.

Newton’s snub of Hurts immediately raised eyebrows, especially given Hurts’ impressive resume.

Over the past three seasons, Hurts has led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one and earning the Super Bowl MVP award in the process.

His ability to impact games through both the air and the ground has made him one of the most versatile and effective quarterbacks in the NFL.

So why, then, does Newton not consider him a top-10 talent?

According to Newton, Hurts’ success is largely a product of the talent around him.

He cited the Eagles’ stacked roster, including All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown, offensive player of the year Saquon Barkley, and a dominant offensive line, as reasons why Hurts’ individual contributions should be viewed with skepticism.

“It’s hard to judge what Jalen Hurts can do when you’re throwing to a guy like AJ Brown or Devonta Smith,” Newton argued.

While it’s true that Hurts benefits from a strong supporting cast, critics of Newton’s take were quick to point out that this logic doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

After all, many of the quarterbacks on Newton’s list, including Joe Burrow and Jared Goff, also play alongside elite talent.

Burrow has Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins, while Goff has Amari Ross St. Brown and a solid offensive line.

If Hurts is penalized for having great teammates, why aren’t these quarterbacks held to the same standard?

Newton’s argument becomes even shakier when you consider Hurts’ individual achievements.

In 2024, Hurts played just 14 games due to injury but still managed to account for 3,500 total yards and 32 touchdowns.

He was efficient as a passer, completing 68.7% of his throws while throwing just five interceptions.

On the ground, he added another 630 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate games with his legs as well as his arm.

Even more damning for Newton’s case is the fact that Hurts has consistently elevated his play in the postseason.

In Super Bowl 59, Hurts delivered a near-flawless performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 77.3% of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

His composure, decision-making, and ability to rise to the occasion under pressure are qualities that many analysts believe make him an elite quarterback.

Interestingly, Newton himself seemed to share this sentiment not long ago.

Following Hurts’ Super Bowl victory, Newton praised him as an elite quarterback, stating, “When you see the times that he’s played Patrick Mahomes, he’s outplayed him every single time.”

So what changed?

Why has Newton suddenly reversed his opinion on Hurts?

When pressed on this inconsistency during a recent interview, Newton became visibly defensive.

He claimed that his earlier comments were made “two years ago” and that his opinion has since evolved based on Hurts’ 2024 passing yardage totals, which he deemed insufficient for an elite quarterback.

However, this explanation didn’t sit well with many fans and analysts, who pointed out that Newton’s own criteria for evaluating quarterbacks seem to shift depending on the player in question.

For example, Newton excused CJ Stroud’s underwhelming 2024 season, citing injuries to his supporting cast as a mitigating factor.

Yet when it comes to Hurts, Newton uses the presence of a strong supporting cast as a reason to diminish his accomplishments.

This double standard has led some to question whether Newton’s criticism of Hurts is rooted in personal bias rather than objective analysis.

Adding fuel to the fire is the apparent tension between Newton and Hurts, which was on full display during a pre-Super Bowl interview.

Hurts appeared visibly uncomfortable during the conversation, even taking a subtle dig at Newton by referencing his own Super Bowl loss without crying—a clear nod to Newton’s emotional reaction after losing Super Bowl 50.

While Hurts is known for his stoic demeanor, his frosty interaction with Newton suggests that there may be more to their relationship than meets the eye.

Critics have speculated that Newton’s dismissal of Hurts as a “game manager” rather than a “game changer” may stem from jealousy.

After all, Hurts has achieved something Newton never did: winning a Super Bowl.

While Newton was a dominant force during his prime, his legacy is often overshadowed by his failure to secure a championship.

Could it be that Newton’s critique of Hurts is less about football and more about his own insecurities?

Of course, Newton’s defenders argue that he is simply doing his job as an analyst by offering a contrarian perspective.

They point out that sports media thrives on debate and that Newton’s provocative takes are designed to spark conversation and engagement.

Whether you agree with him or not, there’s no denying that Newton has succeeded in making himself a topic of discussion.

Ultimately, the debate over Jalen Hurts’ place in the quarterback hierarchy is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.

For now, Hurts seems content to let his play do the talking.

As he stated in a recent interview, “It’s not my job to do anything other than win the game.”

And with two Super Bowl appearances, a championship ring, and a Super Bowl MVP to his name, it’s hard to argue that Hurts isn’t doing his job exceptionally well.