Cam Newton pays respects to Prince with custom cleats

R-E-S-P-E-C-T is spelled P-R-I-N-C-E when it comes to the reigning NFL MVP.

The defending NFC champion Panthers welcomed the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings to Charlotte on Sunday. And Carolina quarterback Cam Newton showed his respect for one of the Twin Cities most beloved citizens who left this world far too early.

Check out the cleats on Newton just before this team’s clash with the Purple Gang on Sunday.

No truth to the rumor that Newton was spotted wearing a “Raspberry Beret” before the game.

Of course, wearing those cleats were as close as the six-year signal-caller wanted to be to anything purple this Sunday.

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Alas, it did not turn out that way as Newton was sacked for a safety in the first quarter by Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, one of three first-half sacks by the 2-0 Norsemen. This was after Ron Rivera‘s club had taken an early 10-0 lead on a Graham Gano 48-yard field goal and a Newton three-yard touchdown run.

However, Minnesota narrowed the gap to 10-8 shortly afterwards courtesy of Marcus Sherels‘ 54-yard punt return (Blair Walsh would pus the PAT wide right). The Panthers would drive late in the half but Newton was picked off deep in Minnesota by cornerback Trae Waynes.

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So purple shoes and all, Newton and his team owned a 10-8 over the Vikings at intermission. Now we just have to wait to see which victorious team will be partying like it’s… 2016.