Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Patriot Way has already rubbed off on Cam Newton.
Bill Belichick would be so proud. Cam Newton hasn’t had much time to rest since joining the New England Patriots on Sunday, and he’s given plenty of reaction to garner fan excitement on social media, so no one can blame him for wanting a little peace and quiet after landing at the airport on Tuesday night.
Someone, however, appears to have given away Newton’s location, and the media awaited him with a microphone, rather than open arms. Newton’s response, or lack thereof, is potentially a look forward as to how he’ll handle himself as a New England Patriot.
Cam Newton barely even looked at reporters on Tuesday after they rushed him at the airport.
The 31-year-old signed a team-friendly deal, betting on himself to put up some major numbers in Josh McDaniels’ offense. The contract also reportedly gives the Patriots the right to franchise tag him next season, which is odd for a deal involving a player of Newton’s age. At this point, though, Cam doesn’t seem to care.
Silence from Newton shouldn’t be startling at this point. He’s dealt with enough media attention for one lifetime, and this new opportunity with the Patriots suggests he’ll actually be encouraged to say less.
Cam’s media platform, despite its borderline cryptic font, gives fans an inside look into his workouts and inner workings, allowing him to control the narrative. Near the end of his tenure with Carolina, that was anything but the case.
With Newton in tow, the Patriots aim to put off a return to the mean after two decades of dominance in the AFC. With a new enemy to chase in Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, acquiring Newton and rebuilding him into his once-MVP form will be essential should the Pats wish to reach the heights they grew accustomed to with Tom Brady and Belichick.