Auburn Football: Top 25 Best Former Auburn Tigers in NFL History

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

6. Cam Newton, QB

The first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Cam Newton entered the league with huge expectations – especially after he led the Auburn football program to the first National Championship in 53 years and becoming the third Tiger to win the Heisman Trophy.

Newton passed his first test with flying colors, winning the 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year award from the Associated Press, which made Newton the second former Auburn football player (joining Cadillac Williams) to earn the honor. As a rookie, Newton completed 60.0% of his passes for 4,051 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for 706 yards and 14 TDs – one of the most impressive debuts in NFL history.

Through four seasons as a pro, Newton has 14,426 passing yards and 82 touchdowns to 54 interceptions with a 59.5% completion percentage. He needs to make up 2,345 yards and five touchdowns to overcome Jason Campbell for more passing yards and touchdown passes by a former Auburn football player.

One of the best running quarterbacks ever, Newton has already gained 2,571 yards on the ground as a pro with 33 rushing touchdowns. Only Michael Vick has more rushing yards among active NFL quarterbacks.

To put it another way, Newton has more career rushing yards and TDs than a trio of Alabama’s best running backs Mark Ingram (2,426 yards, 20 TDs), Eddie Lacy (2,317, 20) and Trent Richardson (2,032, 17).

Next: 5. William Andrews