Cam Newton is coming off a tough season, but the Carolina Panthers quarterback hasn't let the adversity get him down.
The Panthers started 2018 off 6-2 and appeared destined for the playoffs before Newton's shoulder gave out. His shoulder continued to get worse to the point he could barely throw the ball downfield, and the Panthers eventually shut him down with a couple of weeks left in the season.
Newton had shoulder surgery after the season and was sidelined for most of the offseason, but told reporters recently that he feels refreshed heading into his ninth year in the NFL, per Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com.
“I feel like a rookie again. I'm having fun, feeling good and the thrill is still there, man,” Newton said. “I'm blessed, just knowing that, man, you just got to sometimes put things into perspective. Just two or three weeks, two or three days ago, grown men cried, you know what I'm saying? People getting unexpectedly cut, released, traded or whatever. I'm just lucky to be a part of a fan base and organization for the same nine years. A lot of people can't say the same.”
Newton took a very mature perspective, and he's absolutely right. The Panthers have high hopes for 2019 now that he's back healthy, and they have plenty of reasons to be excited.
Newton suffered a minor foot injury in the team's third preseason game, but the Auburn product downplayed it, saying it isn't effecting him at all.
“I'm focused on the Rams,” he said. “I don't want to dwell on something that's irrelevant or what doesn't need to be talked about. Excited about the matchup on Sunday. Really looking forward to playing four quarters of football.”
Newton and the Panthers open the regular season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
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