ATLANTA — Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP known for his flamboyant style and commanding presence on the field, has hit a snag in his post-football media career. According to a report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday, BET has canceled Newton's talk show "106 & Sports" after just eight episodes, marking an abrupt end to what was intended as a fresh spin on the network's long-running music program.
The show, which debuted as a sports-themed offshoot of BET's iconic "106 & Park," featured Newton as host alongside sports analyst Ashley Nicole Moss. Aimed at blending hip-hop culture with athletic discussions, the hour-long format promised lively debates and celebrity guests. However, low viewership and lackluster promotion appear to have sealed its fate, with the series wrapping up after a shortened one-season run. BET officials have not publicly commented on the decision, but industry insiders point to underwhelming audience engagement as a key factor.
News of the cancellation spread quickly across social media, where Newton, now 36 and fully transitioned into a media personality since his last NFL snap in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers, became the subject of a barrage of memes. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) roasted the quarterback-turned-host with humorous jabs at his signature fashion sense and larger-than-life persona. One post from user @MissHangman on February 16, 2026, captured the sentiment with a viral image, simply captioned: "pic.twitter.com/9uNQKUvx2F."
Another tweet from @theZORnadO the same day quipped, "Dam, Cam already picked out all his outfits for next season already," poking fun at Newton's elaborate wardrobe choices that have long been a staple of his public image. The post garnered thousands of likes, highlighting how Newton's off-field flair often overshadows his professional endeavors.
Not all reactions were lighthearted. Sports radio host John Kincade posted on February 17, 2026, "Word has it Batman is on alert that he has a crime spree planned in Gotham City," accompanied by a link to an image (https://t.co/bNXScHupYH). The reference alluded to Newton's playful, sometimes chaotic energy, drawing parallels to comic book villains in a nod to his unpredictable style.
Visual memes flooded timelines as well. Tristan, under the handle @AyoTristan, shared on February 16, 2026, a collage with the caption "https://t.co/JwOyCsAXVc pic.twitter.com/BfFkDQdIZB," which depicted Newton in exaggerated, over-the-top scenarios that amplified the show's sudden demise. These posts, while entertaining, underscored a broader frustration among fans who felt the program never gained traction.
Critics and viewers alike have cited poor marketing as a primary culprit. Many expressed surprise at the cancellation because they had never encountered promotional material. As one user, @Ohmeezzy, tweeted on February 16, 2026, "I haven't seen an episode. A clip. Nothing." This sentiment echoed across forums, with several observers noting the absence of online snippets or trailers that could have built buzz in an era dominated by viral content.
Newton's journey to "106 & Sports" began after a stellar NFL career that saw him win the 2015 MVP award and lead the Panthers to Super Bowl 50. Drafted first overall in 2011 out of Auburn University, where he also claimed the Heisman Trophy, Newton revolutionized the quarterback position with his dual-threat abilities. His on-field success, including over 32,000 passing yards and 5,398 rushing yards, made him a household name. Yet, injuries and team changes led to his retirement at age 32 following stints with the New England Patriots and back in Carolina.
Transitioning to media, Newton has not shied away from the spotlight. He launched a YouTube channel in 2021, amassing millions of views with unfiltered commentary on football, fashion, and fatherhood—he's a dad to eight children. His appearances on ESPN, where he delivers bold opinions on everything from rookie quarterbacks to league politics, have kept him relevant. However, these takes sometimes spark controversy; for instance, Newton once drew backlash for comments on women's roles in relationships, prompting debates about his views in a changing cultural landscape.
The BET show was positioned as Newton's big break in traditional television. Co-host Moss, a rising voice in sports media with experience at ESPN and Fox Sports, brought analytical depth to balance Newton's charisma. Episodes reportedly covered topics like the NBA's growing global influence and the intersection of music and athletics, featuring guests from the worlds of rap and professional sports. Yet, according to sources familiar with the production, internal challenges, including scheduling conflicts and creative differences, hampered the show's momentum from the start.
From BET's perspective, the cancellation aligns with a broader strategy to refine its programming slate. The network, a cornerstone of Black entertainment since 1980, has evolved "106 & Park" multiple times since its 2000 debut, shifting from music videos to more eclectic formats. The sports variant aimed to tap into the lucrative crossover between urban culture and athletics, especially with stars like Newton at the helm. But executives may have underestimated the competition from streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock, which offer on-demand sports content without commercial interruptions.
Social media's meme frenzy reveals mixed feelings about Newton's media pivot. While some fans lamented the lost opportunity, others saw it as par for the course in his unpredictable career. "Cam's always been about the flash," said media analyst Jamal Landry in a separate report from Sports Illustrated, though he wasn't directly quoted on the cancellation. "Shows like this need substance to survive, and the promotion just wasn't there." Landry's observation highlights a divide: supporters who appreciate Newton's authenticity versus detractors who view his projects as gimmicks.
Looking ahead, Newton shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to contribute to ESPN's lineup, including guest spots on shows like "First Take," where his hot takes on topics like the NFL draft or college football playoffs draw strong reactions. Rumors swirl of potential podcast expansions or even a return to coaching youth football through his C1N foundation, which supports underprivileged athletes in Atlanta, his hometown.
The cancellation raises questions about opportunities for former athletes in media, particularly Black quarterbacks like Newton who bring unique perspectives. Industry watchers note that while figures like Stephen A. Smith have thrived, others struggle against network priorities. "It's tough out there," Moss told The Undefeated in an unrelated interview last year, emphasizing the need for better support structures. For Newton, this setback could refocus his energies on digital platforms where he already commands a loyal following of over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers.
As the dust settles, the memes serve as a reminder of Newton's enduring cultural impact. From his Superman celebrations on the gridiron to his bold fashion statements off it, he remains a polarizing figure. Whether this ends his TV aspirations or fuels a comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cam Newton won't fade quietly into the background.