"Create your own legacy" - Cam Newton sends stern message to QB signee Deuce Knight on plans to rep No. 2 jersey at Auburn

By Maliha

Modified Dec 14, 2024 13:11 GMT

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Auburn fans are familiar with quarterback signee Deuce Knight's admiration for Tigers legend Cam Newton. Following his commitment to the Tigers’ 2025 class, Knight expressed a desire to bring back the magic of Auburn’s 2010 season and even wore Newton's No. 2 jersey in his signing video.

However, the possibility of Knight wearing the No. 2 jersey at Auburn took a turn when Newton addressed the discussion on Friday's episode of his podcast, "4th&1 with Cam Newton." When asked about the prospect of Knight wearing his number, Newton’s response was a firm “f**k no.”

While Newton dismissed the idea of Deuce Knight wearing No. 2, he did offer some praise for the prospect's talent by recalling his experience seeing Knight play for Deestroying’s 7-on-7 team.

“Create your own legacy," Newton said. "I did. I don’t want you to feel like you gotta live up to that moment because it would be an unrealistic expectation for you, Deuce, to have a number that only was worn lastly by me and for you to wear it next."

Newton’s reluctance to hand over his number wasn’t a slight against Knight’s ability. Instead, it was a realistic assessment of the pressure and the history associated with No. 2, as the program has seen struggles at the quarterback position since Newton left over a decade ago, and no one has worn the number since.

In that context, Newton seemed to be offering Knight a favor by refusing to let him take on the mantle of No. 2 prematurely.

“So, I’m kind of doing you a favor. But bro, I want you to ball. Please ball. And then, next year, come holla at me then.”

The No. 2 has not been formally retired by Auburn. In 2010, Newton became the third Auburn player to win the Heisman Trophy by earning 729 first-place votes and beating out other stars like LaMichael James and Andrew Luck.

Cam Newton urges Deuce Knight to stay with Auburn

Deuce Knight's flip from Notre Dame to Auburn was surely a big recruitment win for Auburn. With his signing, the Tigers' 2025 class seems promising with 24 other signed players.

Though Cam Newton dispelled the idea of Knight wearing his No. 2 jersey, the Auburn alum urged Knight to stay true to Auburn.

“I really hope that you’re good," Newton said. "I really hope that you can stay at Auburn, I really hope that you can do everything that you’re going to say. But as an avid, die-hard Auburn fan, it’s easier said than done, bro. Like, win the locker room first. F*** numbers. F***, like, entitlement, f*** NIL. F*** all that sh*t. Bro, win a game.”

Despite a lackluster season in 2024 with a 2-6 record in the Southeastern Conference, the inclusion of Deuce Knight along with multiple blue-chip prospects signals a better season for the Tigers next year.