Angela Simmons recently revealed a less-than-stellar first – and only – date with former NFL quarterback Cam Newton. The revelation came during a conversation on Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, where the two discussed the encounter that took place in New York City around 2011.
Simmons described feeling immediately put off by Newton’s behavior, stating he created an awkward atmosphere by constantly making jokes and then laughing at himself. The initial meeting, facilitated by talent manager Corey Gamble – a longtime partner of Kris Jenner – quickly soured, leaving Simmons wanting to end the date prematurely. This candid discussion offers a glimpse into a past encounter between two public figures and highlights the often-unpredictable nature of first impressions.
According to Simmons, the date took place at a diner. “We went to this diner. We sat down and talked. This was the first time I met you. A mutual friend connected us,” she explained on the podcast. However, the conversation quickly took a turn. “You, the whole time, were making jokes and laughing at your own jokes,” Simmons revealed, describing Newton’s attempts at humor as falling flat.
The reality television personality elaborated, stating Newton’s self-deprecating humor felt performative and ultimately off-putting. “So, you sat across from me. And I didn’t grasp what to expect,” Simmons continued. “And you’re making jokes that I thought were just not funny. And you were patting yourself on the back and laughing.” She admitted she was “ready to go” after witnessing his behavior, but a later conversation outside the hotel offered a different perspective.
Newton, however, offered a contrasting recollection, attributing his behavior to the immense pressure he was under at the time. “That was the night before I got drafted. So you can kind of imagine, like… I didn’t know where I was going,” he said, adding he didn’t remember “being that corny.” He was the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, selected by the Carolina Panthers.
Simmons wasn’t buying it. “It felt like an arrogant asshole,” she interjected. “You sat across from me and, I can’t remember the joke, but I remember thinking ‘This is not funny.’ And you were like, ‘Haha! Tap me on back.’ I said, ‘Oh, I’m ready to go.’” Despite the initial awkwardness, the two were able to connect later that evening, leading to a more amicable exchange.
From Awkward Date to Life Updates
While the date didn’t spark a romance, both Simmons and Newton have moved on and built full lives. Five years after the ill-fated dinner, Simmons welcomed a son with her then-fiancé, Sutton Tennyson Sr., who was tragically killed in November 2018, according to reports. She later dated rapper Yo Gotti from 2022 to 2025.
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Newton’s personal life has also evolved. By 2015, he had become a father and has since fathered eight children with three different women, as previously reported. He is currently in a relationship with comedian and actress Jasmin Brown, with whom he shares two children, beginning in 2022.
The “Ick” Factor and First Impressions
The discussion surrounding the date highlights the often-subjective nature of attraction and the importance of first impressions. The term “the ick,” as used by Simmons, has become a popular slang term to describe a sudden feeling of repulsion towards someone, often triggered by a seemingly minor behavior. This experience underscores how quickly a connection can be lost due to mismatched personalities or unfavorable interactions.
The candid conversation between Simmons and Newton demonstrates a willingness to revisit past experiences with humor and honesty. While the date may not have been a success, their ability to discuss it openly years later speaks to a level of maturity and mutual respect. The story serves as a reminder that even high-profile individuals experience the same awkwardness and disappointments in dating as anyone else.
As both Simmons and Newton continue to navigate their personal and professional lives, their willingness to share these anecdotes offers a relatable glimpse into their journeys. The conversation on the Funky Friday podcast provides a lighthearted gaze back at a memorable encounter, and a reminder that sometimes, first impressions aren’t always accurate.
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