Former NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton came to the defense of Arch Manning amid criticism over his decision to spend two years as the backup to Quinn Ewers at Texas, saying that developing as a backup was a wise approach by Arch and his family.

Arch has taken a quiet, deliberate approach to his college career so far, downplaying his hype as the No. 1 QB recruit in the country by sitting out not one, but two seasons in Austin. Newton believes Arch's strategy is a smart move, guided by the experienced, veteran voices around him.

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has publicly come to the defense of Arch Manning, who made the surprising decision to remain a backup quarterback at the University of Texas for two seaso