Steelers Player Marcus Gilbert to Cam Newton: 'If You're Scared to Take a Shot, Then Don’t Be Out There'

Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert fires back at Cam Newton over his criticism of the referees, and their lack of calls in his favor.

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In the post-game press conference following his team's 30-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Carolina Panthers star quarterback Cam Newton laid into the game's referees over their lack of calls on late hits. "It’s really taking the fun out of the game for me," Newton said. "At times, I don’t even feel safe. And enough is enough. I plan on talking to Commissioner Goodell about this. And I don’t know what I have to do."

In addition to securing a meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL has since responded, admitting that the Cardinals' Calais Campbell should have been penalized for his illegal hit on Newton. However, Cam won't get any sympathy out of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert. "Ben [Roethlisberger, the Steelers' QB] gets hit more than anybody in the league, and he never complains. C'mon, man. This is the game of football," Gilbert told ESPN. "If you're out there and you're scared to take a shot, then don't be out there, especially if you're a running quarterback. [Defenses] are going to take shots at you. Just the way, his style of playing football, how he celebrates, I guess he gives the guys a chip, like let's go hit the reigning NFL MVP."

Given his frame and playing style, Newton is far from the typical quarterback. When Cam steps out of the pocket, he tends to avoid sliding, which invites contact from opposing defenses. At the same time, the NFL needs to protect Newton as much as every other star quarterback in the league. If he doesn’t feel as safe as the other big-name NFL pocket passers, and the proof is out there, changes need to be made, plain and simple. 

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