Money-boy Newton going for the money

[Mr. Laz]

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season at Auburn and apply for the NFL draft.

Auburn QB Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy and the BCS national title in his junior season. Next up? Applying for the NFL draft. (Matthew Emmons/US Presswire/)

"This decision was difficult for me and my family," Newton said in a statement released by Auburn on Thursday night. "After talking to Coach (Gene) Chizik and Coach (Gus) Malzahn, I think it is best that I make that next step in my career and forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft. It was a very hard decision for me, especially after coming off the great season we had at Auburn. I'm blessed to have been around an excellent environment and have great teammates, coaches and support from the Auburn family.

"It's been a blessing for me to be a part of something so great. Any time you win games it's a big deal, but for this school to win a BCS National Championship, what a way to make people happy. Auburn is a special place that I can call home."

Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night.

"We appreciate Cameron's many contributions to Auburn and the outstanding leader that he was for our football team," Chizik said in the statement. "He had one of the greatest individual seasons ever by an Auburn player and was a key part of our championship run. Cam will always be a member of the Auburn family and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial. He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services during Mississippi State's recruitment of his son.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season and passed for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.