Cam Newton is one hell of a quarterback. He’s 26 years old. Anyone remember Mohammed Ali? Know what he said when he was around 26 and refusing the draft?: Man, I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong, no Viet Cong ever called me ‘nigger’. Boy, did that rile up white America including the media (excepting Howard Cosell and everyone hated him too)! He was stripped of his title and wasn’t allowed to fight again until he was into his 30’s. Is Mohammed Ali adored today? Yes he is.

And how about that paragon of sportsmanship John McEnroe? Cam Newton looks like the stone-faced Old Man of the Mountain compared to one of the whiniest, pouting, poor-loser athletes ever to be a champion. Of course, few in the media called him on it; on the contrary, they considered him colorful, a free-spirit and an asset to the game (not hard to wonder why is it?). Now Mr. McEnroe is a well- respected color-man for tennis.

Ali loved the fight game. And while McEnroe was a spoiled and foul-mouthed brat, he too obviously still loves the game he once played. Well, Cam Newton loves the game of football. Pure joy in the winning; crushing abjection in the losing. Give the kid a chance to absorb a few more major wins and a few more major losses under his belt. He’s a good leader now (a team doesn’t get to 17–1 without quarterback leadership) and experience will turn him into a great one. Combine that with his awesome physical and mental skills and the Carolina Panthers are going to be tough to contend with for the next ten years.

As a very long time Broncos fan it was good to see the team win. It is also nice that Manning has the opportunity to go out on the highest note. I wish he would share what the smiling Mr. Newton said to him postgame.

In the not-very-important world of football here’s a Bronco fan’s fantasy: trade Akib Talib and Brad Osweiler to the Panthers in return for Cam Newton!!!