*Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has voiced concerns about racial disparities in television compensation for retired NFL players. Newton contends that networks pay him less than white former quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Tony Romo solely based on skin color.
The discussion emerged during a recent episode of Newton’s Funky Friday podcast featuring guest Jemele Hill. According to Black Sports Online, Newton maintains that broadcasting networks distribute financial rewards among former quarterbacks unequally, and he attributes this pattern to race rather than individual ability or on-screen presence.
Hill initiated the conversation by noting the demographic makeup of former quarterbacks working in television analysis. “You got [Tom] Brady, [Tony] Romo, former quarterbacks. Terry Bradshaw, former quarterback. That space has been dominated by white quarterbacks,” Hill stated. “You’re the only Black one that, as a quarterback, that is on TV giving analysis.”
“Can we keep it funky? I don’t get no Brady deal. I don’t get no Romo deal and that’s just facts,” Newton said.
Wow: Cam Newton implies that he doesn’t get paid the same as Tom Brady or Tony Romo on TV because he is Black.
“I think you’re the only black quarterback on television.”
“Can we keep it funky? I don’t get no Brady deal. I don’t get no Romo deal and that’s just facts.”
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— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 17, 2025
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The financial figures behind these television contracts reveal stark differences in compensation. Brady secured a $375 million agreement with FOX, while Romo negotiated a $180 million deal with CBS. Newton’s multi-year arrangement with ESPN reportedly pays approximately $2 million annually, creating a substantial gap between his earnings and those of his white counterparts.
Hill highlighted the unique perspective Newton brings to broadcasting based on his background. “The experience you have as a Black quarterback being in the NFL, being a former MVP is different,” she noted.
Despite acknowledging this compensation disparity, Newton indicated he harbors no personal resentment about the situation.
“Am I bitter? Hell no! Because knowing what I know now, being a member of the media, I know that Brady worked his [—] off or has to work his [—] off to get prepared for that show that he presents to the world,” Newton said. “So does Romo. I see Romo cover sports like a quarterback thinks. And that’s why I can appreciate it. He’s like, ‘Oh, it’s too high safety, get prepared for it.’ Like that’s…you’re not supposed to say that. That’s how simple it is. And as he’s commentating, I can appreciate that, and I can see that why he makes the type of money that he does make…”
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