Miami Dolphins cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. is facing significant online backlash after stating, "Everybody thinks we're rich." The comment has sparked widespread criticism from fans, though some within the NFL community have defended him. Among those supporting Baker is Quincy Avery, Deshaun Watson's longtime personal quarterback coach, who wrote on X: "I’m so confused why people are mad at what he said. He said he isn’t rich, or practice squad players aren’t rich. Which they aren’t." However, former NFL star Cam Newton offered a different perspective on Baker's remarks.
Cam Newton's Response to Darrell Baker Jr.'s Comments
During an episode of his 4th&1 podcast, Cam Newton addressed Darrell Baker Jr.'s video discussing practice squad salaries. Newton, who never served on a practice squad himself—though his younger brother Cecil Newton joined the Green Bay Packers' practice squad in October 2011—emphasized that a professional title does not guarantee financial success. "Being in the league does not mean a player has unlimited fortune or boundless wealth," Newton stated. He stressed that a player's lifestyle should align with their achievements, such as Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, draft round, career stats, and contract size.
Newton's Advice on Financial Responsibility
Newton urged players to educate themselves about their finances. "Too many times I’ve been to practice facilities," he said. "And I see how certain people pull up, and I see how they live, and I’m like, how much money? How many Pro Bowls? How many All-Pros? What round did he go in? See everybody trying to look the part without them actually being the part. Why would a free agent be living as if he is the franchise player? Just because you got the title of being a professional player doesn’t always equate to professional pockets." He added: "First off, educate yourself. Understand your cost of living. Put yourself on a budget. This is a business first. And it’s not personal."
The Difference Between Looking Rich and Being Rich
Newton highlighted a common misconception that all professional athletes are wealthy. He noted that many players spend money trying to emulate superstars, with role players or free agents living like franchise stars holding $100 million contracts. He called this a wrong mentality. "The biggest misconception is that just because an individual is in the professional realm, it means that that individual has really succeeded financially. Ha ha," Newton said. "And boy, could you be so stupid? A lot of people make this big mistake. They try to keep up with the Joneses. You go into the league, and you’re like, ‘Mama! I done made it.’ No, no, no. Wrong mentality, brother. We don’t do what a lot of these airlines tell us to do. Make sure that your mask is on and secured first before you can help anybody else. See, you may have some Lil Wayne’s around the world, also Birdman’s. Some big timers, some big stunners. They wanna stunt like they daddy. But brother, hey, you ain’t got it like that."
