A New England Patriots Captain And Starter, Cam Newton Says ‘Words Can’t Even Explain’

The New England Patriots formally announced the signing of Cam Newton on July 8.

By Aug. 3, the quarterback had been voted a team captain.

“Words can’t even explain my feelings when I heard,” Newton reflected Friday afternoon during a video conference call with reporters. “I know a person may kind of see or kind of sense like it was almost expected. But not for me, though. Ever since I first spoke to any personnel with the team, I wanted to make sure that they understood my drive and understand that I’m not taking this opportunity for granted. And whether it’s showing up as early as I do show up or leave as late as I leave, I know people know that my heart is in the right place.”

Newton finds himself among eight New England captains for the 2020 season. He is joined by running back James White, center David Andrews, defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, cornerback Jason McCourty, safety Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater on special teams.

Their tenures with the organization range from a dozen years to a few.

In the case of Newton, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP is going on months.

“As far as when it comes to this team, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do besides put their best interests at heart,” said Newton. “And to be named captain was just something that was just rewarding to hear. But at the same time, now the real work kind of starts for me knowing that I have to prove it each and every day. I know I have people that’s looking to me, others in that leadership council, to kind of direct the team in the right way.”

But being named a Patriots captain wasn’t the only news Newton received on Thursday. During a team meeting, the 31-year-old was officially named the starting QB by head coach Bill Belichick, as Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported.

“That’s another emotion that is just hard to kind of explain in words,” added Newton, who started 131 career games with the Carolina Panthers between the regular season and playoffs. “But I’ve had a plan since I’ve been here just to become the best player I can possibly be, be coached and be coachable. And knowing that I would be coached by the game’s finest in Josh McDaniels and Coach Jedd [Fisch] as well as obviously Coach Belichick. Those guys haven’t let me down yet and I just try to be of service in any way, shape or form I possibly can be. Anything that they ask of me to do, it’s my job to do it.”

Newton’s one-year contract with New England includes $550,000 guaranteed and a $1.05 million base salary that is the minimum for his service time in the league. A total of $700,000 is available in per-game roster bonuses. And his incentives, which are categorized as not likely to be earned after a campaign that ended on injured reserve due to a Lisfranc fracture, bring the maximum value to to $7.5 million.

The Patriots will open the regular season versus the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

As for what will follow offensively, that remains a mystery No. 1 paused to enjoy with a grin on Friday.

“I think the most exciting thing is that nobody knows. And you’re still not going to know, so you just got to tune in and see,” Newton said. “That’s what excites me those most, because everybody’s kind of having the same questions like, ‘What are they going to do? Are they going to do this? Are they going to do that? Are they going to do that or are they going to do this?’ I’m not going to tell you. Come on, it’s almost game week. You can’t just let all the tricks out of the hat.”