In his first extended comments since the New England Patriot released him last week, Cam Newton offered his thoughts on the decision and why it happened.
Primarily, Newton thinks, coach Bill Belichick and Co. realized Newton would have been a distraction for the team and rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who the Patriots selected 15th overall in the draft this year.
“Indirectly, I was going to be a distraction without being the starter. Just my aura. … That’s my gift and my curse,” Newton said in a conversation with his father.
Newton declared that had the Patriots made him the backup, he would have dutifully filled the role.
“Let me be honest with you. If they would have asked me (to be the backup), I would have said absolutely,” Newton said, much to his father’s disappointment.
“The truth of the matter is this. (Jones) would have been uncomfortable,” Newton said.
“You’re an intimidating presence,” Cecil said.
“That is true,” Cam replied.
