On3 Sports Auburn football beat reporter Justin Hokanson does not want to hear hear any more comparisons between former Tigers Heisman winner and BCS National Championship quarterback Cam Newton and Former Florida QB and projected first-round NFL draft pick Anthony Richardson.
While Richardson is getting plenty of pre-draft hype due to his eye-popping NFL Combine numbers — he had a vertical jump of 40.5 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, nine inches, and a 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash — Hokanson finds the comparisons to the former Auburn football all-time great unnecessary and unfounded.
Here was his rant on the Newton-Richardson comparisons on Sunday, March 5:
“Anthony Richardson is totally like Cam Newton. Well, not on-field success, accolades, leadership capabilities or anything else of real significance, but like their body types are similar.”
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) March 5, 2023
These takes are wild.
Comparisons between Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Auburn football legend Anthony Richardson started Week 1 of 2022 season
Per Panthers Wire, the comparisons between Florida’s Richardson and Newton had actually started after his brilliant three-touchdown, 274 all-purpose yards showing against Utah Week 1 of the 2022 season:
Anthony Richardson is legit doing a Cam Newton impression tonight
— Trey Scott (@TreyScott247) September 4, 2022
#Florida looks like they finally have Cam Newton in pads (Anthony Richardson) but he's also dressed as Tim Tebow (wearing #15). SEC will be that much more fun if it is for real. #UUvsUF
— Greg Vorse (@GregVorse) September 4, 2022
Dan Mullen could’ve given Anthony Richardson the reps and he may still be coaching UF. Go with a special talent over experience every time. The guy could be the Cam Newton of his day or better. Who knows? What a debut. https://t.co/rlGMLRH7jM
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 4, 2022
Anthony Richardson is a genetically modified Cam Newton.
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) September 4, 2022
Only explanation. pic.twitter.com/Shzc3lTpwa
In terms of raw comparisons between Richardson and Newton, they’re both six-foot-four and above, they both can hurt you on the ground as well as the air at their best, and they both suited up for Florida at one point.
Richardson certainly never achieved what Newton did even during his just one season on the Plains, though. We’ll see if Richardson can win an NFL MVP and lead his team to the Super Bowl.