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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has a chance to set an obscure record on Sunday versus the Cleveland Browns and Johnny Manziel. With a win, Newton can become the winningest Heisman trophy quarterback recipient against another Heisman Trophy quarterback. Newton, who won the 2010 Heisman at Auburn, is tied with Sam Bradford (2008), Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Roger Staubach (1963) with three victories against former Heisman quarterbacks. He’s looking for No. 4 against Manziel, the 2012 winner. The two-time Pro Bowler’s only loss against a former Heisman quarterback came in Week 5 of the 2013 season. Carson Palmer, who won the 2002 Heisman, and the Arizona Cardinals beat Carolina 22-6. Newton has completed a combined 68 of 108 pass attempts for 883 yards and three touchdowns against former Heisman winners. He has four interceptions, three coming in the loss to Palmer. Here’s the breakdown on Newton versus Heisman quarterbacks: 2013 Week 7 vs. Rams, Sam Bradford: W, 30-15 -- Newton was 15 for 17 for 204 yards and 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Over the last 10 years, according to ESPN Stats and Information, there have been nine Heisman quarterback matchups. This will be the first one between Newton and Manziel, who became the starter at Cleveland last week. Manziel and Newton first met at George Whitfield’s quarterback training academy. Newton reached out to Manziel in the summer of 2013 when the former Texas A&M star was under fire from the NCAA for reportedly accepting money from an autograph broker. “He said to keep my head up and don’t let anything get me too down and continue to focus on those guys in the locker room,’’ Manziel said. “Cam had obviously been through something like that before and he had great words of advice for me.’’ Newton’s father was accused of seeking money for his son to attend Mississippi State out of junior college. The NCAA found no major violations in its investigation. “I remember talking to him for probably 30-40 minutes one night and Cam helped me out in that sense a lot, and I never got a chance to thank him for it,’’ Manziel said. “He really helped keep my mindset on the right track during a tough time, especially coming from a guy who I looked up to when I was in high school watching him play. “That was a big thing for me and a big moment in my life from a guy like Cam, who is pretty high up on the pedestal for me and a guy that is incredibly fun to watch. That was a big thing for me with Cam.” On Sunday, Newton will attempt to keep Manziel from knocking him off his pedestal as he is expected to start for the first time since fracturing two small bones in his lower back in a two-vehicle accident. If successful, he’ll set a new standard for Heisman quarterbacks.
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