Be it his MVP-winning performances or his unapologetic fashion sense, Cam Newton has never shied away from standing out. But if there’s one mystery that has followed him for years, it’s his obsession with hats. From wide-brimmed fedoras to custom-made headwear, Newton is almost always seen wearing one during media appearances. Is it merely a fashion statement, or do his hats hold a deeper significance? According to Newton, wearing hats isn’t just about style—it’s about carving an identity.
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The former Panthers QB recently appeared on Unapologetically Angel, where he told WNBA star Angel Reese that his fashion choices stem from a philosophy of being different.
While most see fashion as wearing fabrics that make them feel comfortable and blend in, Newton uses his hats and outfits to set himself apart. This mindset took shape after he noticed how often people in clubs and public places wore the same styles and accessories as him. Since then, standing out has become a necessity for Newton, not a choice.
“A lot of times, people look at me and say, ‘Man, why is he doing too much?’ And I always tell them—nah, you’re just not doing enough. You got dressed to blend in, but I got dressed to stand out. And that’s okay. People don’t realize that. I used to hate the idea of walking into a club and seeing someone wearing the same shoes, the same jersey, the same pants as me. So, I switched it up,” he said.
In the beginning, Newton started off wearing snapbacks from Lids, reflecting his youth. But as he grew older and became more involved in business, he needed something more mature and classy. That’s when he switched to fedoras—now almost synonymous with the former QB’s personality.
Wearing fedoras not only addressed the perception issue for Newton but also allowed him to sport headgear unique to him. Partnering with veteran hat maker Alberto Hernandez, he later launched Mashika—a company that crafts handmade custom western hats for clients like Miley Cyrus.
Dressing up with custom hats gives Newton the confidence that no one will ever dress like him—a feeling the former NFL star deeply values.
“At first, I wore Lids hats, but as I got older, I felt like I needed something different—so I moved to fedoras. I met someone in LA, and we started this hat company, Mashika, and since then, it’s just been part of my brand. When I get ready, ain’t nobody going to be wearing what I’m wearing. For me, it’s all about confidence.”
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Newton’s obsession is that he stands out not out of fear of judgment but due to his insatiable hunger to avoid being just another face in the crowd. So, love it or hate it, Newton’s hat obsession is here to stay. And if there’s one thing he can guarantee—it’s that nobody else will be wearing what he’s wearing. A few may try, but they’ll fall short.
