Motivated New Patriots QB Cam Newton: 'I Wake Up Mad'

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Cam Newton is embracing all of the perceived slights and pressures that come with an extended stay on the free agent market after two injury-riddled campaigns and the prospect of succeeding Tom Brady as the new starting quarterback of the New England Patriots.

In his first media availability since agreeing to sign with the Patriots in late June, the 2015 National Football League Most Valuable Player declared "I wake up mad" in reference to how his time with the Carolina Panthers ended, adding: "I don't have to prove nothing at the end of the day, especially not to nobody (else). I have to prove it to myself. That's the thing that's the challenge. I don't think nobody's expectations ever surpass my expectations for myself."

While Newton did not reference Brady directly, he left little doubt that he knows the shoes he is vying to fill with a franchise Brady led to six Super Bowls during his 20 years in Foxborough.

"We all know what that was, and what that is, and it needs not to be mentioned," he said before later adding. "A lot of people would hide from the notion to do certain things. But, for me, this opportunity is something (where) I wake up pinching myself every day."

Newton was the face of the Panthers for nine years before the team announced it would not resign him following last season. While high-profile quarterbacks such as Brady and Philip Rivers, and even mostly career backups or second-tier talents such as Teddy Bridgewater and Andy Dalton, signed relatively quickly, Newton lingered on the free agent market for months before agreeing to sign an incentive-laden deal with New England in late June.

"The wait was so long that I'd by lying to you if I didn't say that a lot of different potentials didn't creep into your mind," he said. "But, though it all, I had an unbelievable support cast. ... I used that as fuel. I use that as something as a constant reminder that I need to use (the next) 24 hours to get better."

As for his opinion of the Panthers these days: "I wake up mad. That I don't get to see my kids on a regular basis, that's what makes me mad. I am not going to dwell on the past. I am a person that's a self-motivator. Even though the past is the past, I am not going to keep looking back. Just turn the page and move forward."

Newton said he is looking forward to learning from Patriots coach Bill Belichick despite some speculation that Belichick's no-nonsense approach will clash with the flamboyant Newton.

"There is a lot of things that I just think is a perception," Newton said. "At the end of the day, it's football. I've loved it ever since I've been here. I've been here going on a week now. And, just, you hear rumors about different things. But once you finally get settled in on things like that nothing really matters. It's just all about finding a way to prove your worth on the team."

Newton claimed he is now healthy — "I feel amazing. I feel great." — and said he is looking forward to his opportunity in New England.

"I don't want to say it's disbelief at this particular point in time," he said. "But it's a real moment. Nobody really knows how excited I am just to be a part of this organization in more ways than one following up such a powerful dynasty that is enriched with so much success."

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