Cam Newton Explains Why Men Should ‘Provide and Protect’

Cam Newton has frequently had to defend his views on women and relationships. But during a new episode of Funky Friday, the former NFL MVP turned the conversation toward men—and made it clear he believes the same standards apply to them.

While speaking with model and entrepreneur Daphne Joy, Newton argued that masculinity isn't about barking orders or controlling a relationship. Instead, he framed it in terms of responsibility. "Man, I'll do anything to make my woman happy," Newton said. "Hey, I just want to see her smile. That's why I provide. That's why I protect."

Using a scenario involving an unexpected noise in the house, Newton explained his view of a man's role. "If you're sleeping with your partner and you hear something downstairs or you hear something outside and it's like boom," he said, "As a man, it's your job to go out and protect. Men take pride in that.”

The former Carolina Panthers quarterback also pushed back on the idea that traditional masculinity and emotional softness are incompatible. "A man may be a provider. Some men may be softer than others," Newton said. "Soft is not weak. Soft is just, you know, what they are."

He suggested people are often shaped by what they've seen growing up, adding, "We all are creatures of habit. So whatever we grew up observing and seeing, that's what we're going to more or less be anyway."

The comments represent the latest chapter in an ongoing debate surrounding Newton's views on modern relationships.

The father of nine previously generated widespread criticism after appearing on the It's Giving podcast and declaring that "women's value gets lower the more children that they have."

He later explained that perspective in conversations he’d had with one of his children’s mothers, saying any future partner should be prepared to accept his children as part of the package.

Newton's family situation has also become part of the public discussion. The former No. 1 overall pick shares four children with ex-fiancée Kia Proctor and helped raise her older daughter. He also shares a son with photographer LaReina Shaw and helped raise her older son. More recently, Newton and comedian Jasmin Brown welcomed two children together.

The backlash eventually drew a response from former Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels, who told FOX 5 Washington, D.C., that Newton "may want to get his brain checked" and argued that motherhood increases a woman's value.

Now, Newton appears to be placing equal expectations on men. "Nobody does not want a submissive woman," he said.