The New England Patriots announced on Thursday that Cam Newton would be the team’s opening day starter after a rather tepid quarterback battle between a former MVP (Newton) a second-year QB (Jarrett Stidham) and a veteran backup (Brian Hoyer).

Soon thereafter, the Pats announced their captains for the upcoming 2020 season as well, which included Newton. The 31-year-old was honored by the team’s decision, as he conveyed in an Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEsJ28ohl-I/?utm_source=ig_embed

If you can’t read that extremely stylized font, Newton said:

“Dear New England, I will not and do not take this opportunity for granted!! I’m so grateful for this organization, my teammates and this city. Thank you!! No need to look back now… LFG!!”

Certainly, being able to nab a former MVP, three-time Pro-Bowler and current active leader in yards per rush attempt (5.1 yards per attempt), was an absolute blessing for the Patriots, especially after they lost their talisman – the iconic Tom Brady – who had played with the team for 20 season before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Beyond Newton, the Pats also named the following players as captains: veteran defensive backs Jason and Devin McCourty, defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, six-year veteran running back James White, center David Andrews and the currently longest-tenured Patriot, special teams maestro Matthew Slater.

The Patriots will definitely have a different feel in the 2020 season what with the loss of their most important player in franchise history, but Newton and his fellow captains will certainly be looking to continue the team’s record run of 11 straight playoff appearances.