Cam Newton’s abrupt departure from the Carolina Panthers was the talk of the offseason. His messy release from the Panthers made news headlines everywhere. Newton maintains that he didn’t ask for a trade but instead it was forced upon him. The timing was also not ideal because it happened after NFL free agency but before the NFL Draft. In that scenario, most team’s are going to fill in their holes through the Draft process before weighing other options. That left Newton in a tough position when it came to finding a new job.
Speculation had been mounting that the New England Patriots were interested in Newton but in true Coach Bill Belichick fashion, took his time before he finally making a move. Nonetheless, he did make a move and Newton signed a one-year deal with the team.
“Things worked out,” Belichick said. “We spent quite a bit of time with Cam, and he spent quite a bit of time with us. I think there was some mutual interest. We went and spent quite a bit of a number of different people and a number of different conversations, just trying to see how the fit would be and it was very positive on our end. I’m glad it worked out.”
In his first press conference as a Patriot, Newton had a chance to address his offseason experience and how he’s setting in on the New England roster.
“I was just blown away by the whole overall professionalism of the Patriots organization, starting with Robert Kraft, with Coach Belichick as well as eventually speaking with Coach Josh,” Newton said. “I do know I was in LA, it caught me by surprise. At the same time, I enjoyed this whole process.”
While Jarrett Stidham appears to be the Patriots starting quarterback, Belichick didn’t rule out a competition at quarterback. In the meantime, Newton is enjoying the process of learning a new playbook and getting to know his teammates.
“I mean, it’s a breath of fresh air, to be honest with you,” Newton continued. “It’s a challenge that I had to accept each and every day, but no challenge is ever going to be greater than the personal challenge that I challenge myself, personally. I think I’ve got my hands full with trying to learn as much as I can in a short period of time and that’s what I’m trying to do. I approach this day to day. Those guys have been unbelievable throughout this process. Also, just leaning on guidance from the teammates as well.”
The MVP quarterback is moving on by all accounts but admits there’s still raw emotion as it relates to his departure from the Carolina. However, it’s not for the reasons people may think.
“Look. I wake up mad. The fact that I’m not able to see my kids on a regular basis, that’s what makes me mad. At the end of the day, for me, I’m not going to dwell on the past. I think I’m a person that’s a self-motivator. The past is the past, I’m not going to keep looking back. For me, it’s just turn the page and move forward. I wish those guys nothing but the best and I hope that this feeling is mutual and moving on.”
Cam Newton
Here are some highlights from Newton’s press conference.