Cam Newton believes he would have been the highest-paid NIL college athlete ever if NIL existed while he was at Auburn.

Cam Newton Says He’d Be the Highest-Paid NIL Athlete Ever — Is He Right?

In the ever-evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, college athletes are finally cashing in — and Cam Newton wants to make one thing clear:

If NIL existed during his time at Auburn, he believes he would’ve been the highest-paid college athlete in history.

And honestly? He might be right.

Newton made the bold statement during a recent interview, pointing to his electric 2010 season at Auburn — where he won the Heisman Trophy, led the Tigers to a national championship, and became a national icon almost overnight.

“I would’ve broken the bank,” Newton said with confidence. “There wouldn’t have been a number high enough.”

Fast forward to 2025, and Texas quarterback Arch Manning currently sits atop the NIL mountain, reportedly earning $6.5 million. That figure includes sponsorships, appearances, endorsements, and a massive presence on social media — all before he’s even started a full season.

But Cam Newton in 2010? That was a different level of stardom.

National Champion. Heisman winner. Unstoppable force. Newton’s swagger, dominance, and one-man-show style made him a household name. Combine that with Auburn’s national spotlight and SEC fan base, and it’s easy to imagine brands lining up with blank checks.

Just how much could Newton have made?

Considering the deals today’s top quarterbacks are signing — and Newton’s unmatched star power during his college days — it’s not a stretch to say he could have easily topped $10 million in a single season. He wasn’t just a great player; he was a cultural moment.

NIL expert projections suggest Newton would’ve been a “walking brand.”
Think: Nike, Gatorade, Beats by Dre — all before stepping foot in the NFL.

Is $6.5M the ceiling?

Not anymore. Arch Manning’s deal shows how high the market can go. But Newton’s talent, charisma, and dominance may have shattered that ceiling before it even existed.

So, is Cam Newton’s NIL claim fair?

Absolutely.
In fact, it might even be an understatement.