Story by: Lucky Ezeinuaku
In an appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, southwest Atlanta's own Cam Newton gave the most honest interview yet about his first and only season with the New England Patriots. Cam discussed his challenges entering a new team and working during a pandemic in an interview with show hosts and NFL alum, Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson and Fred Taylor.
The 100-minute conversation explored a wide range of topics, from the Aaron Hernandez saga to male grooming practices south of the equator. So let's discuss the main takeaways.
1. Cam is willing to go back to New England
Newton spent a huge part of the interview talking with Marshall, Johnson and Taylor about his first season in New England. Newton was asked whether he wished to return to the Patriots, as the three discussed the difficulties of playing for such a championship-driven team.
When Taylor asked if Cam would sign another one-year contract with the organization, he said, "Hell, yeah! I'm getting tired of changing. I'm at a point in my career where I know a lot more than I did a year ago. [The team] knows me. Doughboy knows me, Jakobi knows me, Byrd knows me, the young tight ends know me, the younger guys are going to come in. We're still trying to flush out the 20 years of how it used to be."
Though Newton did not confirm or deny whether he's been in talks with the Patriots about a contract, he did say that "there's still a possibility for everything" — particularly in more desirable conditions than the one he faced last year.
2. Covid-19 affected Cam's comfort within the offense
Cam was the first Patriot to test positive for the Coronavirus during the season, missing ten days and his team's Week 4 game against Kansas City. Cam said he had almost no symptoms. The only notable change he noticed was his failure to smell during the ordeal.
3. Cam thinks Bill Belichick is the most underrated figure in sports
If you listened to Cam during press conferences this season, you'll know that he's always spoken highly of Belichick. On the podcast, he confirmed it once more.
"I think Bill Belichick is the most misunderstood person in all of sports," Newton said. "He dope as s—. He dope as s—. Like, he is a cool dude. He understands the game. He's a historian of the game. Just for you to sit and chat with him. It's like, 'Damn.' He's going back and he's got film teaching the game."
Marshall brought up Belichick's reputation for being "cold" to his players, and Cam debunked it.
4. Cam believes he can still play at the top-level
The topic began to veer into retirement from football at the end of the podcast. There are rumors that Newton is said to be contemplating retirement if the contract he needs isn't available. However, Newton denied this argument, saying that he "can't go out like that."
Newton's arm injuries in recent years were brought up by Marshall, who wondered if he really believes he can still be "Superman".
"Hell yeah. F— yeah," Cam said, smiling. "I understand. You're doing your job. Hear me out, I hear all that (criticism). I ain't never been a favorite."
"You only have a certain amount of options. Given the hand I was dealt. Last year, [they were asking] 'Is he healthy?' I just wanted to finish healthy. Now it's like, 'Am I able to learn a system?' Like, c'mon bro. I can't go out like that. My pride won't allow me to do that."