Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton believes that playing for the Dallas Cowboys comes with an advantage that few NFL franchises can offer. For rookie safety Caleb Downs, the opportunity begins with the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, as per Cam Newton.

During an episode of the Downs 2 Business podcast with Josh and Caleb Downs on July 22, Newton pointed out the benefit of socializing and building relationships with Jones and other top executives, as he believes it could benefit the rookie long after his NFL career.

“You got the most influential team owner in all of sports," Cam Newton said during an episode of the Downs 2 Business podcast. "So, you got to look at it like you are walking into a Netflix special...If I'm you, Caleb, you played 10-plus years, 15-plus years, you're going to be able to, God willing, you're going to be able to talk to Steve and Jerry Jones in a manner that not a lot of people can do."

Newton said during the Downs 2 Business podcast on July 22 that playing for the Cowboys gives Downs a rare opportunity to earn their trust over the course of playing with the team.

He believes this opportunity could give Downs access to connections and opportunities that few former players receive. Interestingly, the rookie was also part of early speculation to wear the green dot for the defense.

“So use your resources while you can and build your network," Newton said in the podcast. "So now people respect you when you reach out. Like for you, bro - you can get Post Malone. Post Malone is probably the biggest Cowboys fan ever."

Newton added that appearing in different podcasts shows a "different side of you" to fans and outsiders, as they get to know your personal side beyond football.

He believes those appearances carry long-term value, as building a personal brand can open doors and create opportunities after their NFL career.

Newton advised the Downs brothers to see podcasts and content as a way to connect with people from different professions and not to compete with them, as he believes building those relationships now could create more opportunities in the future/

Caleb Downs projected to take home Defensive Rookie of the Year

Romell Williams of Athlon Sports has already projected Downs to win the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, as he believes Downs' elite versatility could "impact every level of the defense."

"Safety isn't typically a position that dominates Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, but Caleb Downs isn't a typical prospect," Romell Williams of Athlon Sports wrote in his article. "Parker's scheme is expected to emphasize turnovers and aggressive playmaking, which perfectly fits Downs' strengths."

Williams projected Downs could emerge as a leading DROY candidate if he produces 100 tackles, four interceptions, and double-digit pass breakups in the 2026 season.

Williams wrote that if the defensive overhaul made during the offseason delivers, Downs could be the "centerpiece" in the 3-4 multiple defensive scheme of defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote