Steve Smith Sr. has some backup.
On Monday, the Carolina Panthers legend expressed his displeasure with former teammate Cam Newton—who labeled the early makings of the 2011 team as a “locker room of losers.” Newton made the comment while discussing the pressures of being a No. 1 overall pick with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in New Orleans this past week.
Smith Sr. started with this post . . .
53 man lockeroom – 1 = 52 losers
Wow… breaking news to 89!
https://t.co/sLYEbSxH3i
— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025
And he didn’t stop there . . .
I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton
talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done !!!— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025
I’ve never backed down from my words. However calling the men in the lockeroom losers isn’t slander it’s disrespectful! I disliked a lot of things that happened w
my time there. But calling men losers naw— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025
Well, Smitty isn’t the only player from that squad to take exception to Newton’s characterization.
He was joined by former defensive end Charles Johnson, who spent seven seasons as teammates with both Smith Sr. and Newton:
I’ve never backed down from my words. However calling the men in the lockeroom losers isn’t slander it’s disrespectful! I disliked a lot of things that happened w
my time there. But calling men losers naw— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025
A professional calling his teammates losers will never sit well with me. Don’t care what no one says. We all battle together. Not just one person. It’s never one person who will win a game. That’s ego talking! Team game, respect the guys. Just my opinion just like his
JAO
— charles johnson (@randywattson) February 11, 2025
Former offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, whose final season in Carolina came during that 2011 campaign, also chimed in:
Cam came into a locker room with a HoF WR, 2 OL and 2 RBs who either made a Pro Bowl and/or All Pro, two LBs who were All Pros in their careers, plus other high level contributors like Charles Johnson, Chris Gamble, Travelle and more … wasn’t a bum locker room.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 11, 2025
The Panthers finished at a league-worst 2-14 in 2010, leading them to the first overall selection in 2011—Newton. The star quarterback, en route to capturing AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, would then help guide Carolina to a 6-10 finish in his first season followed by three straight NFC South titles from 2013 to 2015.