It has been nearly six weeks since the New England Patriots have signed quarterback Cam Newton. Oddly enough today was the first time he held a press conference in what has been one of the strangest years on record. Newton has the unenviable task of following in Tom Brady’s footsteps. Newton said it has been a “breath of fresh air” and “invigorating” to work with the Patriots after spending the first nine years of his career with the Carolina Panthers. He said he’s been “blown away by the professionalism” of the Patriots organization and said the process of working with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on learning the offense has been “amazing.”
Newton claims he is 100% healthy with no limitations and does not feel any pressure to prove anything.
“I don’t think anyone’s expectations will ever surpass my expectations for myself,” Newton said.
Cam is absolutely thrilled to be a member of the Patriots. Newton said it’s “surreal” to be on a team that has had so much success. “No one really knows just how excited I am to be part of this organization. I wake up pinching myself every day.”
Patriots QB Cam Newton discusses his relationship with HC Bill Belichick as well as what he expects in competing for the starting QB job in training camp. #CamNewton | #BillBelichick | #Patriots | https://t.co/PsDIkSSy3F pic.twitter.com/1h6wpM0Tmz
— NESN (@NESN) August 7, 2020
Newton answered questions in the way that dour New England coach Bill Belichick had to have loved. He praised the Patriots’ professionalism. He said wide receiver Julian Edelman had likened learning the New England offense to “calculus.” He didn’t take the bait when one questioner referred to a report where an anonymous coach had said Newton’s production had dropped because of his commitment to a vegan diet.
While Newton, 31, has struggled mightily with shoulder and foot injuries the past several years, he said at the moment he is “full go” and that he feels “amazing.” He has continued with his vegan diet and explained it Friday by saying he was trying to stay away from “bad calories.”
“So we replace the candies with the fruits, and different snacks with healthier snacks,” Newton said. “When you’re asking your body to perform at a high level, it’s easier for you to do that rather than doing something that’s pulling in the opposite direction for your body to recover.”
The Panthers and Patriots don’t play each other in the 2020 regular season. They were supposed to play during the preseason, but that was canceled as the NFL adapts to a new schedule in the face of a global pandemic.