It's a feel-good, NFL-player-goes-back-to-college-to-get-his-degree story. Probably.

AL.com reported that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is back at Auburn taking classes toward his degree in sociology.

Patriots coaches inserted Malcolm Butler in the goal-line stand when they saw the Seahawks in three-wide

It's the third consecutive semester that Newton, who left after Auburn after his junior season, has taken classes at his school. AL.com reported that as of last spring, Newton was on pace to graduate in May.

"So far, Newton has followed the same script in every return to Auburn's campus: No interviews, few media appearances, although he does like to stop to check in on the football team from time to time," AL.com wrote.

The Texas Rangers invited Russell Wilson to spring training in hopes that his leadership rubs off on baseball team?

Of course, Newton could have an ulterior motive for not wanting to speak to the media, given the way he left Auburn the first time.

Yes, he led the Tigers to the national championship and won the Heisman Trophy, but he also was shrouded in controversy over an alleged $180,000 request his father asked from the school for his son to attend.

While Newton was able to overcome that controversy, he certainly has no reason to revisit it.

Another tradition that has accompanied Newton's return to Auburn, according to AL.com, are the photos he's taken with other students.

One photo (at top), as Deadspin reports, shows that Newton's return to school isn't without its not-so-good days.

If Newton graduates this spring, or at all, he should overcome the controversy of his bored-look photo.

Does Cam Newton get brownie points for returning to Auburn to get his degree? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.

And of course, if Newton's on campus, he ends up in more than a few photos.