Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers’ star quarterback and one of the best-known figures in the NFL, is in stable condition and resting comfortably after surviving a car accident in which his truck flipped four times.
According to Charlotte police, Newton was driving at the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour when another car pulled out in front of him unexpectedly.
Newton had to swerve to avoid crashing into the second car, and his truck went airborne. His reflexes saved the drivers from worse harm; they were both taken to a nearby hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries,” according to ESPN.
Which is kind of a miracle, when you consider what Newton’s truck now looks like:
Newton did suffer two fractures to the vertebrae of his back. According to doctors and sports reporters, the injury is similar to that suffered by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo when he took an inadvertent knee to the back in a game earlier this season.
Newton is expected to be released from the hospital this afternoon. Just a short while ago, in conjunction with another message of support, the Carolina Panthers organization reported that Newton had been named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts this past Sunday. He went 21-for-33 with 226 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 83 yards and another score as the Panthers torched the Saints of New Orleans 41-10.
Players around the league were effusive in their support of Newton, who often goes by Superman (and has earned the right to, considering his injury-to-vehicular-destruction ratio). Here’s a smattering of Tweets:
I cant doubt it, you really are superman lol, glad you alright though bruh @CameronNewton
— Michael Bowie (@61likebow) December 9, 2014
Prayers up for my brother cam! I'm hoping everything is ok!
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) December 9, 2014
Praying for you Cam that you heal up quickly boss!
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 9, 2014
Take time out yall and say some prayers for @CameronNewton lord be with you!
— James Dockery (@JamesDockery31) December 9, 2014
Best wishes to Cam for a speedy recovery.
