Carolina quarterback Cam Newton said after the Panthers' loss Sunday that he was benched from starting the game because he didn't wear a tie while traveling with the team to Seattle -- a requirement of coach Ron Rivera.

"It came down to a dress code matter," Newton said. "I didn't follow dress code, and coach told me I wasn't going to start. I stand by his decision. His position he's in, I follow it."

Newton has been criticized plenty of times for his wardrobe choices.

"Growing up in Atlanta, I always had a sense of what fashion was, a sense of style. My parents always talked about the importance of making a first impression, and that's stayed with me," Newton said in a 2013 Esquire interview.

One of the most notable pieces in his outfits has been his hats. They have even spawned their own hashtag, #CamCaps.

These are some of his looks at the podium this season:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick Jalon Walker, of Georgia, speaks to the members of the media during the Atlanta Falcons introductory press conference at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. Linebacker Jalon Walker, from Georgia, was selected by the Falcons with the 15th pick in the first round. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks to constituents during a Town Hall his office held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Atlanta, at Cobb County Civic Center. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Jason Allen)

Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution