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Best Of 2011
BEST LOCAL ATHLETE
CAM NEWTON, CAROLINA PANTHERS
Staff Pick
Cam Newton has yet to start a game as a Carolina Panther, but he still gets our vote as Best Local Athlete. Strictly based on his college performances at Auburn, and the maturity he’s shown since announcing he was going pro, we think Newton has a chance to be the finest athlete to ever play in the Queen City. The 6-foot-5, 248-pound quarterback runs like a receiver, passes like a Drew Brees clone, and has the willingness, and bulk, to run over would-be tacklers that get in his way. Who can forget Newton’s play in the BCS national championship against the Oregon Ducks? Late in the game, he fumbled, allowing Oregon to tie the game, but then redeemed himself in a cold-blooded fashion by driving Auburn down the field to win the game at the last second. He’s exciting, and we’re excited he’s going to be playing here. For once, Panthers fans are truly ready for some football.
Previous Winners
- 2015 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- 2014 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton
- 2013 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton
- 2012 Best Local Athlete - Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- 2012 Best Local Athlete - Cullen Jones
- 2011 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - STEVE SMITH, CAROLINA PANTHERS
- 2010 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2010 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - GERALD WALLACE, CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
- 2009 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Charlotte Roller Girls
- 2009 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2008 BEST LOCAL ATHLETE - Carolina Panther Steve Smith
- 2007 Best Local Athlete - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
- 2007 Best Local Athlete - Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
- 2006 Best Local Athlete - Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
