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Cam Newton's triumph over adversity led Panthers to draft him over Blaine Gabbert

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The stolen laptop incident at the University of Florida. The championship season at little-known Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. The accusations that his father attempted to take money in return for a scholarship at Mississippi State.

That Cam Newton overcame all of those things to quarterback Auburn to an undefeated season and national championship at Auburn played a role in the Carolina Panthers selecting him with the first pick of the 2011 draft over Blaine Gabbert.

Yes, the Panthers strongly considered drafting the Missouri star that will be on the opposite sideline for Sunday’s home opener against the San Francisco 49ers.