Growing up as the younger sibling of a literal icon isn't easy. Imagine trying to make a name for yourself on the football field when your big brother is a Heisman winner, an NFL MVP, and a guy who basically redefined the quarterback position. That’s the reality for Caylin Newton.
If you followed college football back in 2017, you might remember a massive upset. Howard University—a 45-point underdog—walked into Las Vegas and beat UNLV. It was the biggest point-spread upset in college football history.
The kid leading the charge? Caylin Newton, Cam Newton's lil brother.
But while Cam was a 6-foot-5, 245-pound physical anomaly, Caylin was built different. Literally. Standing about 5-foot-11, he didn't have the "Super Cam" frame. He had to rely on pure grit, and honestly, a level of versatility that most people don’t give him enough credit for.
The Howard Years: When Caylin Newton Became a Household Name
At Howard, Caylin wasn't just "the little brother." He was the engine. In his first-ever college game, he put up 330 total yards. He looked like a mini-version of Cam, escaping sacks and launching balls downfield.
He was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2017. Then, in 2018, he won the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. He was putting up video game numbers at the FCS level.
- Passing: 5,876 yards at Howard.
- Rushing: 1,318 yards.
- Touchdowns: 58 total scores.
Life was good. But then things got complicated. Coaching changes and the desire to prove himself on a bigger stage led him to the transfer portal.
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That Auburn Connection: Following in Big Brother’s Footsteps
In 2020, Caylin made a move that felt like destiny. He transferred to Auburn.
Everyone expected him to compete for the starting quarterback job. I mean, it’s Auburn. The Newtons and Auburn go together like biscuits and gravy. But here is where the story takes a turn that most casual fans missed. Caylin didn't play quarterback for the Tigers.
He switched to wide receiver.
Think about that for a second. You’re an award-winning quarterback, a star in your own right, and you move to a school where your brother’s statue literally sits outside the stadium. Instead of demanding the ball under center, you decide to play special teams and run routes just to help the team.
He spent two seasons on the Plains. He didn't put up massive stats. Honestly, he mostly played on special teams, even blocking a punt against Georgia. It was a humble move. It showed he wasn't just there for the "Newton" brand; he was there to work.
The Final Act at William & Mary
By 2022, Caylin had two degrees in his pocket—a bachelor’s from Howard and a Master’s from Auburn. Most guys would have called it a career.
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Instead, he used his final year of eligibility to reunite with his old Howard coach, Mike London, at William & Mary. This was where he finally got to showcase his skills as a playmaker again, even if it wasn't at QB.
He led the Tribe in receiving. He was a weapon on punt returns. He even hit that iconic "Superman" celebration after a 75-yard touchdown, a nod to the big brother who had been his biggest supporter through the ups and downs.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Newton Legacy
The media loves to compare them. It's easy. It’s lazy.
"Is he as good as Cam?"
"Will he make the NFL?"
Basically, people forget that Caylin had his own hurdles. He was diagnosed with Blount's disease as a kid. His legs were bowed. People joked about how he walked. He had to overcome physical limitations that Cam never had to deal with.
And then there's the older brother, Cecil Newton Jr., who most people forget exists. Cecil was a center who actually made it to the NFL, spent time with the Jaguars and the Ravens. The Newton family isn't just one superstar; it's a factory of high-level athletes who all had to find their own lane.
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Where is Caylin Newton Now?
As of 2026, the football pads are mostly put away. Caylin finished his college career with three different degrees. He’s spent time working with Cam on various business ventures, including "Funky Friday" and their production efforts.
He’s also been a vocal advocate for athletes navigating the transfer portal and the NIL era. He lived it before it was "cool." He saw the highs of being a star and the lows of being a "grad student on special teams."
If you’re looking for a lesson in the story of Cam Newton's lil brother, it’s about ego. Or rather, the lack of it. Caylin could have stayed at a smaller school and finished as one of the greatest QBs in HBCU history. Instead, he chose the hard road. He chose to be a teammate.
Key Takeaways for the "Next" Generation
- Degrees matter: Caylin walked away with a Master's in Community Planning and a background in Elementary Education. Football ends, but those don't.
- Versatility is a superpower: Switching from QB to WR/Special Teams kept him on the field at a Power 5 level.
- Comparison is the thief of joy: Caylin never tried to be 6'5". He just tried to be the best version of himself.
If you're following the Newton family today, you'll see them more in the boardrooms and on YouTube sets than on the gridiron. But don't let the lack of NFL stats fool you. Caylin’s journey through the ranks of college football is one of the most unique "little brother" stories in the history of the sport.
To keep up with Caylin's current projects, you can find him frequently appearing on Cam Newton’s social media channels or check out his own entrepreneurial work in the Atlanta area where he continues to influence the next wave of athletes.
Next Step: You should look into the "Go-Go" offense that Caylin mastered at Howard—it’s a fascinating bit of football strategy that is still being mimicked in some college circles today.