Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gets TV show on Nickelodeon

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is venturing into television.

The two-time Pro Bowler will host "I wanna Be," a docu-series that will air on Nickelodeon next year.

The show will "follow Newton as he takes real kids on the ride of their lives to help make their dreams come true," according to a release by the network.

Newton will film the show during the NFL offseason.

Each episode will follow Newton as he tries to help two children get closer to fulfilling their dreams – which range from decorating award-winning cakes to making it to a Broadway stage.

“Time in the spotlight has made me realize the importance of creating positive messages to inspire the next generation," Newton said in the statement.

"I’m very passionate about mentoring young people, and this show will be the perfect opportunity to help talented kids get the chance to pursue their dreams."

As the Observer reported in June, the Heisman winner will also serve as executive producer.

Newton has received criticism for his offseason activities, which have included playing flag football and traveling to Australia to play Australian Rules Football.

“It’s kind of boring not having football for a lot of times,” Newton said in July, “and now we get to get the stories that everybody’s hearing. ‘Cam playing flag football.’ ‘Oh my god he can do something!’ ‘Cam’s playing Knockerball.’ ‘Oh my god, look at him pulverize people!’ ‘Cam’s driving fast.’ ‘Oh my god, slow down, he’s driving again!’

“It’s always something. That’s just the life we live. I’m never thinking twice about the things that I do. I do think about it before I do it, but having that type of mentality that oh my god somebody is always going to bring the negative in it. I always look at the optimism of each and every scenario and try to make the most of it.”

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gets TV show on Nickelodeon."