Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has taken a strong stance against a rookie safety’s recent prank targeting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The incident, which occurred at the Las Vegas Raiders‘ training camp, involved Trey Taylor mimicking Mahomes with a Kermit the Frog reference, shifting the focus from football drills to off-field drama.
Newton, who led the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50, criticized the rookie’s behavior, suggesting that training camp is a time for serious preparation rather than playful antics.
He took to his platform to express discontent with Taylor‘s actions, pointing out the rookie’s lack of standing compared to Mahomes’ prominent status in the league.
“Training camp isn’t a playground,” Newton remarked. “Patrick Mahomes has achieved so much already. I don’t get why this rookie thinks he can get away with this kind of stunt. Who is he to be making jokes about a Super Bowl MVP?”
When his co-host was unable to identify Taylor, Newton emphasized the rookie’s relative anonymity. “No disrespect, but Mahomes is a well-known star. Taylor is still making his way in the NFL. It’s puzzling why he’d choose to target someone with Mahomes’ stature.”
Newton expected a bigger reaction from Mahomes
Newton further criticized Mahomes‘ diplomatic approach to the prank, suggesting that the Chiefs quarterback might have preferred a more direct response. “Mahomes has to keep it professional, but if it were up to me, I’d ask, ‘Who do you think you are?'”
Taylor, selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had a distinguished college career, winning the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back. Despite this, his recent actions have put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In response to the prank, Mahomes has hinted that he will address the issue at the appropriate time, which could spell trouble for the Raiders during their upcoming games against the Chiefs in the AFC West. The episode underscores the intensity of NFL training camps, where even seemingly minor incidents can escalate into significant storylines.
