#TBT: That Time Cam Newton Was Built Out of Lego

We’re only a few days away from Super Bowl 50. So let’s look back at the first time Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton appeared on the cover of SI Kids.

It was for the October 2012 issue, and Newton was about to enter his second season. During his rookie year, the Panthers went 2-10. But Newton but up huge, record setting numbers: Most passing yards by a rookie QB (4,051). Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (14). First QB in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for at least 500 more in the same year. But none of that was enough.

"I'm not satisfied with anything I've done," Newton said before the 2012 season. "I play this game to win. Statistics are statistics. I don't go to the sideline and look at how many yards I have. I play with the anticipation of winning each and every game.”

"Looking at the film from last year, there are some things I feel like I did right, but for the most part, I've still got to get better,” he continued. “I’m coming into this [year] with a whole new state of mind, throwing away what has happened and focusing on how I can make an impact right now."

He’s certainly made good on that drive to excel. In 2015, Newton led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and his offense torched opposing defenses all season long.

Looking back on 2012, we’re pretty happy calling him the model quarterback. And we’re even happier that we had the chance to create our very own Cam Newton. Out of LEGO. For the October cover, we worked with LEGO to build a life-size bust of the QB — and we got it all on tape.
Photos: Michael LeBrecht​ for Sports Illustrated