Steph Curry grew up in Charlotte during the formative years of the Panthers and has been a vocal supporter of the NFL franchise throughout his 13-year career with the Warriors.
On Sunday night, the Warriors lost 106-102 to the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, just hours after Cam Newton helped the Panthers to a 34-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Curry showed some love for his friend Newton after he mixed in with starting quarterback P.J. Walker and scored two touchdowns on his first two plays.
“It was kind of surreal watching it, for sure,” Curry told reporters. “Obviously, knowing how much of a fan I am, and how weird it was just watching Panther football without him the last couple years. I wish him the best.”
Newton recently re-signed with the Panthers, where he spent the first nine years of his career after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Newton spent 2020 with the New England Patriots but was unemployed for the first nine weeks of the season after they released him Aug. 31.
Listen to Bay Area sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Warriors team gear
On Monday, Newton started it off by scoring a two-yard rushing touchdown before taking off his helmet and declaring, “I’m baaaaack!”
Newton also connected with Robby Anderson for a two-yard passing touchdown in the first quarter.
Curry might be one of the most adored athletes on the planet, but he’s a huge sports fan at heart. He beat the Panthers “Keep Pounding” drum before Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and struck up a friendship with Newton nearly 10 years ago.
“I wish him the best,” Curry said. “Obviously they got the win, so it’s a little life he’s breathing into the building. I’m rooting for him. … I love his vibe and his energy all the way around.”
