Cam Newton: Why can't LeBron be the Cam of power forwards?
Everyone loves a good cross-sport athlete comparison, and on Monday night's Opening Night media gathering, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was asked if he was the LeBron James of the NFL.
Newton opted not to side step this question.
"Why can't LeBron be the Cam Newton of power forwards?" Newton responded.
The answer to Newton's question probably lies somewhere in between the fact that James was first on the scene and has done it for longer. James also owns four separate MVP awards -- Newton is still hoping to win his first this season.
Still, the similarities are certainly there. Every example of James trucking through the lane for a bucket and the foul looks very similar to when Newton takes a shotgun snap from inside the opponent's 5-yard line and runs the football in for a touchdown himself.
Both athletes boast a combination of size and speed that goes unmatched by anyone at their respective positions. At the 2011 NFL Combine, Newton checked in at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, with a 35-inch vertical and a 126-inch broad jump -- these are numbers you would expect from a tight end or running back. No one knows James' exact height, weight or straight-line speed. However, he is estimated at around 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, and everyone knows how well he can run the court.
If Newton wants to eventually evolve into a generational player like James has become, he can take a big step toward accomplishing that goal this Sunday by winning his first Super Bowl championship.
