No one in the football world has faced more criticism than Shilo and Shedeur Sanders, whose rise has been harshly described as a “result of nepotism”. It’s already tough for the two to walk in the shadow of father Deion Sanders while trying to match his legacy. The added scrutiny makes things that much harder. However, Cam Newton is not buying into the ‘unfair advantage’ narrative.
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“They come up with all types of societal words and this year we’ve heard nepotism as much as any other thing,” remarked Cam on an episode of Unapologetically Angel. And, no matter how much the Sanders boys are criticized, Newton has nothing but praise for Deion.
Cam, a father of eight kids, is helping them step into the world of sports too. His eldest son with ex-girlfriend Kia Proctor, 10-year-old Chosen Sebastian, plays football, basketball, and track and field. Their daughter Sovereign-Dior Cambella, 8, plays basketball and tennis. His son Camidas Swain, 7, plays football and basketball.
And being a father, Newton understands how important it is for Deion to help his kids get an early taste of success. The former Carolina Panthers QB also addressed the stigma surrounding Black fathers — one that Deion has proven wrong.
“Nepotism has always been around,” Cam added. “What Deion Sanders has been doing and has displayed, has been nothing less of a proud father. And especially smushing, killing, flushing, and murdering any type of thought process of what a black father would be in this country.”
Interestingly, Newton himself is a product of ‘nepotism’. It did help him in the beginning that his father Cecil Newton Sr. was a safety for the Cowboys and Bills in the mid-1980s. Cecil had a lot of pull, which played some role in Cam getting a lot of attention and the best coaching and resources possible to succeed in American football.
But now, the professional sports arena is even more cutthroat and it is a challenge even for skilled football players to get the recognition they deserve. While being the son of a former NFL superstar helps, proving oneself on the big stage remains in the hands of the players themselves. And Shilo and Shedeur have delivered on that front.
What makes Deion’s contribution special is that he has been a hands-on father in the athletic journey of his kids. He paved the way for both his sons while wrapping up their final college season with a success story in the Big 12. That the success came despite being part of a struggling program like Colorado is nothing but remarkable.
“To have been doing what he’s been doing for all of his kids, not just one or two of them, has been commendable, and for anybody who doesn’t like it, you just have to ask what would you do in that situation… If somebody’s son is good enough to play, of course, you want your son to play for you and you’re lying if you don’t,” explained Cam.
Many will continue to see Shilo and Shedeur as prime examples of nepotism. But for Cam, this is the blueprint of how a father goes out of his way to help his kids carry the legacy forward.
