UCLA-bound Nico Iamaleava receives stark warning from ex-NFL MVP Cam Newton

Cam Newton was angry at the people who advised a third-year college student to ask for money to play like he was a seasoned professional.

UCLA-bound Nico Iamaleava receives stark warning from ex-NFL MVP Cam Newton

Nico Iamaleava (Image via IMAGO)

Nico Iamaleava’s career was thrown into question after the Tennessee Volunteers cut him for asking for more NIL money than he was supposed to earn. Cam Newton came across the news and questioned Iamaleava and the motives of the people around him.

Newton was a beast during his college days at Auburn. The 35-year-old won the Heisman Trophy in his final season, so he knows a thing or two about how football at the college level works.

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During the latest segment of his podcast, Newton criticized Iamaleava’s advisors, who urged the young quarterback to demand more money from the Volunteers before his junior year.

Whether it’s his father, whether it’s his agent, or whether it’s if it’s his family members, it doesn’t matter. This is a story of good advice and bad advice. Whoever advised this kid to sit out and chase in hopes of more money is a fool.

Cam Newton said

Nico Iamaleava was supposed to earn $1.9 million from his NIL deal. However, reports claimed that he wanted $4 million, which rubbed the Volunteers the wrong way. They didn’t waste any time cutting the 20-year-old, leaving him stranded in the transfer portal.

From Newton’s perspective, Imaleava’s camp made a foolish attempt to extract more money. NIL is supposed to make players’ lives in college comfortable, but the money will eventually run out.

NIL was and is intended for just to make your college experience comfortable. This is not forever money. You have to understand that even though you’re talking about millions and millions and millions of [dollars]—this ain’t it, bro. You at 19 [20 years] old, but that money ain’t gonna last past [until you are] 24 [bro].

Cam Newton said

Cam Newton has been keeping tabs on Nico Iamaleava’s career

Iamleava was a standout in his high school days. As a senior, he completed 1,726 passing yards and 25 touchdowns while also scoring six rushing touchdowns for Warren High. 247Sports gave him a five-star rating, and he committed to the University of Tennessee to play for the Vols.

UCLA-bound Nico Iamaleava receives a stark warning from ex-NFL MVP Cam Newton
Nico Iamaleava (Image via IMAGO)

Around this time, Iamaleava attended Cam Newton’s quarterback camp, where the former Carolina Panthers starter teaches teenagers how to play the game better.

He came to my QB challenge a couple of years ago, and to observe him for those multiple days.

Cam Newton said

Newton was disappointed to see a young 6-foot-6 talent being misled by people close to him.

I did not see this coming, but what I did understand, or do understand about kids and college athletes, is they’re getting it from so many different [perspectives].

Cam Newton added

Newton gave Carson Beck’s example. The former Bulldogs starter left Georgia and transferred to his girlfriend’s college in Florida. Beck reportedly bagged nearly $10 million in NIL deals.

[Nico Iamaleava] realized, like Carson Beck, made 10 million; I’m better than [him]. I know I can slap him for 12.

Newton concluded

Despite the controversy, Iamaleava is still a highly rated quarterback prospect. Teams like UCLA and UNC reportedly showed interest until Bill Belichick’s team gave up the pursuit. However, as per FOX Sports’ veteran analyst Colin Cowherd, Iamaleava to the UCLA Bruins seems like a done deal.

I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA. Family still claims it’s NOT about the… It’s about the Volunteers’ offense, but] I was not told what the Bruins are paying.

Colin Cowherd wrote on X

Iamaleava played as a backup to Joe Milton in his freshman year. His first appearance came in the Citrus Bowl, where he threw 151 yards and 4 total touchdowns (3 rushing and one passing).

The following season, head coach Josh Heupel named Iamaleava the starter, and he played every game, ending with a 10-3 record. He finished the year by throwing for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 109 rushes for 358 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.