Panthers' Ealy: Newton's leadership reminiscent of Jordan, Kobe

Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy has some high praise for his quarterback.

Cam Newton's leadership abilities throughout his career have been heavily scrutinized, particularly following his podium walk-off after Super Bowl 50, but Ealy said his quarterback is among the best leaders in sports.

"He reminds me a lot of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant a little bit," Ealy told SiriusXM NFL radio on Friday. "He tries to challenge you in practice in different ways. He may not do it all the time, but when he do, he brings the best out of people in practice."

Ealy raved about the leadership group in Carolina, which features Newton, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, tight end Greg Olsen, and defensive end Charles Johnson. Newton has been voted a captain of the Panthers for the past three seasons.