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Cam Newton nails list of the top 10 NFL quarterbacks going into 2025

Cam Newton's Bold Take on NFL's Top Quarterbacks Heading into 2025: A Deep Dive into Rankings and Controversies

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, quarterback rankings spark endless debates among fans, analysts, and former players alike. Few voices carry as much weight—and controversy—as that of Cam Newton, the former Carolina Panthers superstar who revolutionized the position with his dual-threat prowess. Recently, Newton shared his personal rankings of the top quarterbacks poised to dominate the league in 2025, offering a mix of conventional wisdom and eyebrow-raising omissions that have ignited discussions across social media and sports talk shows. As we dissect Newton's list, it's clear that his perspective, shaped by a career filled with MVP honors, Super Bowl appearances, and injury setbacks, provides a unique lens on what makes a quarterback elite in today's game.

Newton, who last played in the NFL in 2021 with the New England Patriots and a brief return to the Panthers, has transitioned into a media personality with his podcast "4th&1 with Cam Newton." It's here that he unveiled his top-five quarterbacks for the 2025 season, emphasizing not just current performance but potential impact, leadership, and ability to elevate their teams. At the pinnacle of his list sits Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, a choice that's as uncontroversial as it gets. Mahomes, already a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time MVP by age 29, embodies the modern quarterback archetype with his arm talent, improvisation, and clutch gene. Newton praised Mahomes for his ability to "change the game" in ways that remind him of his own prime, where physicality and creativity turned ordinary plays into highlights. Looking ahead to 2025, Mahomes is expected to continue his reign, especially with the Chiefs' offensive weapons like Travis Kelce and emerging talents bolstering his arsenal. Newton's endorsement underscores Mahomes' status as the gold standard, predicting another deep playoff run that could cement his legacy among the all-time greats.

Coming in at number two on Newton's rankings is Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, a selection that highlights the respect between two dual-threat pioneers. Jackson, who won his second MVP in 2023, has silenced early doubters with his improved passing accuracy and continued dominance as a runner. Newton, who faced similar criticisms about his passing during his career, lauded Jackson's evolution, noting how he's adapted to defensive schemes designed to contain mobile quarterbacks. For 2025, Jackson's prospects look bright with the Ravens' stout defense and additions to their receiving corps, potentially positioning him for another MVP-caliber season. However, Newton cautioned that Jackson must stay healthy to avoid the injury pitfalls that plagued his own career, drawing parallels to how durability can make or break a quarterback's trajectory.

The third spot goes to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, a powerhouse whose blend of size, arm strength, and athleticism draws direct comparisons to Newton's playing style. Allen has led the Bills to consistent playoff appearances, but his turnover issues in crucial moments have been a point of contention. Newton defended Allen's ranking by focusing on his upside, predicting that 2025 could be the year Allen finally breaks through for a Super Bowl if the Bills address their wide receiver depth post-Stefon Diggs. This choice reflects Newton's bias toward quarterbacks who can impose their will physically, much like he did during the Panthers' 2015 Super Bowl run. Allen's ability to extend plays and deliver in adverse weather conditions in Buffalo makes him a perennial threat, and Newton's nod suggests he sees Allen ascending even higher in the coming years.

Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals secures the fourth position, a testament to his poise under pressure and surgical precision as a passer. Despite injury concerns, including a wrist issue that sidelined him in 2023, Burrow has proven his mettle with a Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and consistent elite play when healthy. Newton highlighted Burrow's mental toughness, comparing it to the resilience he showed after multiple surgeries during his Panthers tenure. For 2025, with stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal, Burrow is poised for a bounce-back campaign that could see the Bengals challenging for AFC supremacy. Newton's inclusion of Burrow over other high-profile names emphasizes his value on quarterbacks who perform in high-stakes environments, even if their physical tools aren't as flashy as some peers.

Rounding out Newton's top five is Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets, a pick that has drawn significant scrutiny given Rodgers' age (turning 41 in 2024) and his Achilles injury that derailed his 2023 season. Yet, Newton, ever the contrarian, argued that Rodgers' experience, accuracy, and football IQ make him a timeless force. He pointed to Rodgers' four MVP awards and his ability to dissect defenses as reasons why he could lead the Jets to contention in 2025, especially with a revamped offensive line and weapons like Garrett Wilson. This selection over younger talents like Justin Herbert or C.J. Stroud has fueled debates, with critics questioning if nostalgia is clouding Newton's judgment. However, Newton countered by recalling his own comebacks from injury, suggesting Rodgers has the intangibles to defy Father Time once more.

What makes Newton's rankings particularly intriguing are the notable omissions. Absent from the list are quarterbacks like Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, who led the league in touchdown passes in 2023, and Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, a Super Bowl winner with a cannon arm. Even more glaring is the exclusion of rising stars such as Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers or Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who many project as future elites. Newton explained these choices by prioritizing "game-changers"—those who can single-handedly alter outcomes—over consistent performers. This philosophy echoes his own career, where he was often valued more for his dynamism than pure passing stats. For instance, he dismissed Prescott as a "game-manager" in high-pressure situations, a label that has sparked backlash from Cowboys fans and analysts who point to Prescott's playoff shortcomings as a team issue rather than individual failing.

The rankings also touch on broader NFL trends heading into 2025. The league is witnessing a shift toward versatile quarterbacks who can beat defenses with both their arms and legs, a style Newton helped popularize. His list favors those with proven playoff pedigrees, suggesting that regular-season stats alone don't cut it in his eyes. This perspective is timely as teams like the Panthers, Newton's former squad, grapple with their own quarterback woes. Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 pick, struggled in his rookie year, and Newton's indirect commentary—through his rankings—implies the importance of surrounding young talents with the right support to foster growth.

Critics of Newton's list argue it's influenced by personal biases, such as his affinity for mobile quarterbacks like Jackson and Allen, who mirror his style. Others praise it for its honesty, providing a player's viewpoint unfiltered by media narratives. Social media reactions have been polarized, with some fans applauding the boldness while others decry the snubs. For example, Ravens supporters celebrated Jackson's high placement, while Jets fans clung to hope for Rodgers' resurgence.

As we project toward 2025, Newton's rankings serve as a conversation starter in a quarterback-rich era. Will Mahomes maintain his dominance amid increasing competition? Can Jackson or Allen dethrone him? And what of the omitted players—could they prove Newton wrong with breakout seasons? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cam Newton's voice remains a powerful force in shaping how we view the NFL's most important position. His rankings not only reflect his experiences but also challenge us to reconsider what defines greatness at quarterback. In a league where the position evolves rapidly, perspectives like Newton's remind us that the debate is as much about heart and impact as it is about numbers.

Expanding on the implications for the Panthers, Newton's former team, his rankings indirectly highlight the franchise's ongoing search for stability at quarterback. Since Newton's departure, the Panthers have cycled through options like Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and now Young, with mixed results. Newton's emphasis on quarterbacks who elevate their surroundings could be seen as advice for Carolina's front office: invest in a leader who can transform the team, much like he did in leading them to three straight NFC South titles from 2013-2015. As the 2025 draft approaches, with prospects like Shedeur Sanders or Carson Beck potentially available, the Panthers might look to Newton's criteria in their evaluations.

Moreover, Newton's list prompts a deeper analysis of quarterback longevity and adaptation. Rodgers' inclusion raises questions about how aging stars like him and even Tom Brady's recent retirement influence team-building strategies. Teams are increasingly betting on youth, but Newton's faith in Rodgers suggests experience can still trump potential in the right system. Conversely, the omission of injury-prone talents like Herbert underscores the premium on durability, a lesson Newton learned the hard way after shoulder and foot issues shortened his prime.

In the broader AFC and NFC landscapes, these rankings forecast intense battles. The AFC, loaded with Mahomes, Jackson, Allen, Burrow, and others, promises fireworks, while the NFC might see veterans like Rodgers or Stafford challenging younger guns. Newton's perspective adds flavor to these narratives, blending insider knowledge with provocative takes.

Ultimately, Cam Newton's 2025 quarterback rankings are more than a list—they're a manifesto on what it takes to be elite in the NFL. As the league gears up for another thrilling season, his words will undoubtedly fuel discussions, debates, and perhaps even motivate the players he ranked (or snubbed) to prove their worth on the field. Whether you agree or disagree, Newton's insight as a former MVP ensures his voice resonates in the quarterback conversation for years to come. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/cam-newton-nfl-top-quarterbacks-2025-rankings ]