How Much Does Cam Newton Make On First Take

So, picture this: it’s a Tuesday morning, and I’m halfway through my second coffee, half-watching a clip of Cam Newton on First Take. He’s wearing that legendary hat, leaning back in his chair, and just absolutely roasting Stephen A. Smith about the Panthers’ offensive line. I remember thinking, “Man, does this guy actually get paid to look this good while arguing?” Turns out, the answer is a very interesting yes—and the number might surprise you.

Let’s cut to the chase—because, honestly, that’s why you’re here, right? Cam Newton reportedly makes around $100,000 per episode of First Take. I know, I know. Take a second to let that sink in. That’s more than most of us make in a full year, and he pulls that in for a few hours of shouting about football. (No judgment, Cam—I’d do it too if I could talk trash about the Jets for a living.)

Now, before you start drafting your own sports commentary audition tape, let’s break down how we even got that number. First Take is a monster for ESPN. It’s their flagship debate show, and when you bring in a former NFL MVP like Newton, you’re not paying him like a guest star. You’re paying him like a feature attraction. Reports from the New York Post and other outlets suggest his contract was structured to match his star power—short-term but astronomically high per-appearance fees.

But wait—does he really show up every day?

Here’s the ironic twist: Cam isn’t a full-time host. He’s more of a rotating “analyst” or “contributor.” He does roughly one or two appearances a week, usually on Mondays or Tuesdays. So if you do the math—and I did, because I’m a nerd—that’s about 40 to 50 episodes a year. At $100K per pop, we’re talking a cool $4 to $5 million annually. For context, that’s more than some NFL backup quarterbacks make, and Cam isn’t even taking a snap. (He is, however, taking a lot of coffee breaks.)

But the real kicker? That $100K figure is likely before taxes, agent fees, and his infamous wardrobe budget. I’m only half-joking—have you seen the jackets he wears? Those things probably cost more than my rent. So while he’s banking, it’s not all profit. But hey, when you’re Cam Newton, you can afford to drop a few grand on a sequined blazer that screams “I’m still a superstar.”

So, why does ESPN pay up?

Let’s be real: It’s not just for his football knowledge. I mean, sure, he knows the game—he’s a former MVP. But what ESPN is really buying is the spectacle. Cam is electric. He leans into the drama, he calls out Stephen A. on his own show, and he genuinely makes people tune in. Ratings don’t lie. Since Cam joined the rotation, First Take has consistently topped cable news in the 25-to-54 demographic. That’s the money metric, and Cam is the shiny new coin.

Former NFL MVP QB Cam Newton signs with ESPN to join Stephen A. Smith

There’s also the factor that Cam doesn’t need the money. He made over $120 million during his NFL career. So this $4 million side hustle? It’s pocket change for him. But it’s also a stroke of genius. He stays in the public eye, he keeps his brand alive, and he gets to troll Shannon Sharpe (RIP the “Undisputed” days) from a cushy studio chair. Talk about a glow-up from taking hits behind a crumbling offensive line.

Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin—because it’s not all smooth sailing. Some fans online grumble that Cam is “overpaid” for debating. “He just yells and laughs,” they say. And, well, they’re not entirely wrong. But that’s the business of television. You’re not paying for deep analytics; you’re paying for a personality that makes you feel something. And love him or hate him, Cam makes you feel something. Annoyance counts, too.

And here’s a little secret: Cam might actually be underpaid compared to some. Stephen A. Smith reportedly makes $12 million a year. That’s five times what Cam makes, and Smith is on the show five days a week. So if you look at per-episode value, Cam’s $100K actually makes him a bargain. Go figure. Stephen A. might be the king of hot takes, but Cam is the jester prince who occasionally steals the throne.

Cam Newton Joins First Take as an Analyst

But I know what you’re really thinking: “Can I get a gig like this?” Probably not. But it’s fun to dream, right? Imagine getting paid six figures to sit in a chair, wear a killer watch, and argue with a 60-year-old man about whether Trevor Lawrence is a bust. That’s the dream job no one tells you about—until Cam Newton shows up and makes it look effortless.

In the end, the answer is simple: Cam Newton makes a whole lot of money for being Cam Newton on First Take. And honestly? Good for him. He earned the right to cash in on his charisma. While the rest of us are grinding away at our 9-to-5s, he’s out here getting paid to be the loudest, most fashionable guy in the room. And I, for one, am here for every second of it.

So next time you watch First Take and see Cam lean back with that signature smirk, just remember: that smirk costs $100,000 per hour. Worth every penny. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go practice my “angry sports fan” face in the mirror. You know, for career research.