It’s no secret that the NFL has a few issues in terms of image of some of their superstars. Whether being embroiled in a cheating scandal, HGH scandal, or actual domestic violence crimes, it hasn’t been the best couple of years for the league. I know I’m not alone in this, but this past year I found myself wanting to watch the games less and less, feeling disenfranchised with a lot of big name players being of dubious moral code, and with a league office who shows just about as much compassion as Lex Luthor. However, through all the muck and mire, a role model to be proud of has scrambled his way to the forefront of the NFL, and we will be lucky enough to see him on Sunday in the landmark Super Bowl 50. That is none other than Carolina Panther Quarterback Cam Newton.

This year has been Cam’s real breakout season. He’s propelled himself to a near lock for MVP, and carried a Carolina offense that seemingly lacks any threat in terms of skill players, after the injury that ended Kelvin Benjamin’s season before it even start. Cam made Tedd Ginn Jr. a huge threat… Let that sink in for a moment. I don’t want to get into the numbers here, as that fact I just stated could be reason alone for MVP, but let’s look at the other MVP candidates. It really comes down to Carson Palmer at Arizona and Tom Brady. Firstly, Palmer has been putting up some incredible numbers, but has struggled with really strong rushes and has the ability to throw to a future hall of famer in Larry Fitzgerald. With a supporting cast that blows the rest of Carolina’s out of the water, while Palmer had a career year, he didn’t carry a team like Cam. For Brady, those last two weeks really throw a damper on his run. While truly leading that Patriots team, he has the best Tight End and potentially biggest threat on the field in Rob Gronkowski. Also, there is absolutely no way the NFL would allow him to win after deflategate. Can you imagine that awkward situation?

Let’s put aside Cam’s on the field pedigree for a moment. Some of the best NFL players are heroes on the field, but are far from it off. For example, Adrian Peterson is one of the greatest running backs of all time, yet he was accused of abusing his son, to which he approached seemingly without remorse. I’m not here to get into a discussion on whether punishing your children with a “switch” is wrong (but let’s remember history doesn’t look kindly on “that’s how it was done in the past”). Cam is a role model both on and off the field. There’s nothing he’s done while not playing that’s short of exemplary. He is a new father, outspoken in wanting to be a “trailblazer” for both athletic and African American Quarterbacks, and is just an affable and friendly guy. He still receives criticism. There’s still this idea that he’s a thug due to his celebrations on the field and his relation to some music. It’s just preposterous. Let’s talk about the celebrations, the only real source of argument from a media ready to burn him at the stake.

When Cam scores a TD, he usually does a dance of some kind. Sometimes “dabbing” sometimes doing something that could be seen as mocking. In no way does this make him a thug, this just makes him human. Let’s look at the world of soccer. We witness some of the most ridiculous celebrations post goals, but that’s just part of the game, part of the joy of scoring a goal. But for Cam, it’s unsportsmanlike. It’s not a stretch to think race has to be tied to this. We have seen other QBs react as such, which, again, I see as no problem, but no one is screaming unsportsmanlike to them. They also happen to be white (i.e. Drew Stanton). Cam’s just having fun and being Cam. Yes, if he were playing my team, I’d hate it, but I wouldn’t hate him for doing it. There’s also an argument on Cam giving out balls to kids and fans after he scores, and, honestly, I’m not giving that criticism any thought. That’s a life changing act for those fans, stop being a moron.

While I’m feeling pretty down on the NFL, I’ll be cheering for Cam this coming Sunday in the Super Bowl. He’s a fun player to watch, and a great role model for everyone. Also, in a position that is overwhelmingly white, Newton is really blazing a path for young African American athletes, being the best at his position by a landslide. With the leading narrative this Sunday being Manning’s possible last game in the NFL, the real story is Cam being one of the best examples of an all around good athlete.