Sometimes we need to let our pride lead

When Cam Newton entered the NFL, he came in unlike any physical specimen the league had ever seen. At 6-foot-5 inches tall, 245 pounds, it appeared as if a defensive end had been placed into the position of quarterback. Newton’s combination of size, speed and power earned him the nickname Superman.

I remember watching Newton’s magical season at Auburn University in 2011. A guy the world had never heard of, took over college football, won the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship against the Oregon Ducks.

This wouldn’t have happened if his father, Cecil Newton Sr., who played strong safety for two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, hadn’t enrolled his son at Blinn College in Bren-ham.

This five-star recruit, who had no business playing at the junior college not only gave his team a national junior college football championship but learned how to become a better leader, quarterback and player in small town Texas, away from the spotlight of the University of Florida.

The foundation he laid for himself out of the glare of the national media, after his youthful indiscretions in Florida, continue to serve him well.

After being drafted number one overall in 2011, he established himself as the franchise quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. He won rookie of the year and set numerous rookie records.

He reached his pinnacle with Carolina in 2015, helping the Panthers earn a 15-1 regular season record, league MVP honor and Super Bowl berth.

In 2018, Newton partially tore his rotator cuff in week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was deactivated for the last two games of the season and had offseason surgery.

Last season, Newton was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury and played in two regular season games before being placed on injured reserves for the remainder of the season.

In March, the Panthers released Newton. The man who was once considered the best player in the league was now out of a job. In June, Newton signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.

I sometimes watch his videos on Instagram to get motivation before workouts or for life in general. As I viewed his workouts, I saw a new fire in his eyes and the chip on his shoulder that is going to help him prove the doubters wrong.

“They gave up on me and left me to die,” Newton said about the Panthers in a video on Instagram. “I’m getting tired of being humble, because when you’re humble, they start taking advantage of you. When you don’t say anything, they start taking advantage of you.”

I understood the anger and determination in his voice.

It made me recall my mentor Gerald Walker, who during my 2018 internship with the College Park City Hall said: “You’re very talented, and you should be proud to say it. Sometimes you have to beat on your chest and let these people know who Raynard Church-well is.”

As I’ve matured, I realized that both Walker and Newton are correct. Being the quiet, mild-mannered person that I am, people try to take my kindness and humbleness as a weakness.

It wasn’t until I spoke up and showed people what I was about that they began to respect me.

I’ve learned that you don’t have to be the most boisterous person in the room, but everyone needs their ego.

Everyone needs something that puts that fire in them to push themselves beyond their own limits.

Regardless of whether it’s athletics, talents or career, everyone should be able to take pride in something they do well and not be afraid to let it be shown and known.

Every person at the top of his/her profession has some type of ego and swagger. All the greats like Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi and Diana Taurasi know that they are the best in the world. Mind you, these athletes put in hours of practice and sacrifice to get wherever they are, but their mindset put them in position to become the best in their respective sports.

This does not mean arrogance, but if a person is blessed with a talent there should be no shame in letting others know.

Just like Newton, what fueled my fire in Georgia was all the rejection I received. I knew that I had talent, but others didn’t believe in me. Fox News turned me down twice, after promising me a position. Other big companies wouldn’t even take my application when I offered it to them.

I was too young. I wasn’t skilled enough. I went to the wrong college. I heard it all and internalized it.

It still amazes me that out of all the journalism and communication platforms in Georgia, it took me having to go 1,000 miles west for somebody to believe in my talents.

There is no bitterness or hate towards anyone, but it all adds fuel to my fire.

With that said, there is no shame in letting it be known that you have a gift. If you don’t believe in your talents, then who will?

My name is Raynard Churchwell and yes, I am a good sportswriter.

I am as motivated as I’ve ever been, and I am just getting started.

What about you?