Cam Newton is the first New England Patriots Week 1 starting quarterback not named Tom Brady since 2001.

But despite taking over for the greatest player in franchise (and possibly football) history, Newton isn't feeling the pressure of his new role when compared with real-life matters.

“That’s not pressure to me,” Newton told Boston.com about filling Brady's shoes. “Pressure is when you’re looking at your children and you’re saying you’re 31 and you don’t know. You’re not ready to retire but nobody is calling your phone. That’s pressure. When you don’t have control of your destiny.”

Newton's start on Sunday is significant in more ways, too. Personally, it marks Newton's first chance to play professional football since Week 2 of the 2019 season — his final game for the Carolina Panthers. The 2015 NFL MVP is clearly amped about taking the field again and facing the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

“I’m elated, I’m excited, I’m all that and a bag of chips because I knew that if God didn’t show favor over me, man, who knows where I’d be right now,” he said.

Newton will also make some history as the first Black player to open a season as the Patriots QB1.

The veteran QB is appreciative of his fresh start in New England and seems to be enjoying all aspects of the process.

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“I've been away from football…for a full year, he told ESPN. “I haven't really had this whole process for a long time now…[I'm] excited about the game plan and more excited about just trying to get in a routine with the newness of the playcalling, the coaches and even the players.”

Newton will lean on his football experience when he takes the field for a situation unlike the one he's been in through the first nine years of his career.

“I just want to remind even myself that I’ve been here before,” Newton said. “This is my 10th season…I’ve been playing in a lot of games in my life, a lot of opening days and…a lot of impactful, meaningful games….I know how to control myself…Reward yourself but at the same time don’t be too hard on yourself that you can’t get to the next play.”