Steve Smith Sr. talks 'bumping heads' with Cam Newton in Carolina

Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is about to open up on what lead to his departure from the Carolina Panthers in 2014. On NFL Network's "Steve Smith: A Football Life" that airs Friday at 9 p.m., Smith goes into detail on his strained relationship with then-budding star QB Cam Newton. Smith said. One of Smith's teammates at the time, offensive lineman Jordan Gross echoed his sentiment, saying "I think the organization felt like for Cam to flourish they needed Steve to step down." Smith would go on to sign a three-year deal with the Ravens a day after he was let go.