Bill Belichick on Friday refused to publicly acknowledge that he had named Cam Newton the Patriots’ starting quarterback, as had been reported Thursday.
But when Newton was asked Friday afternoon during his press conference what that moment was like when Belichick named him the starter, he didn’t deny that it happened.
“That’s another emotion that is just hard to kind of explain in words,” Newton said. “But I’ve had a plan since I’ve been here just to become the best player that I can possibly be, and be coachable, knowing that I would be coached by the game’s finest in Josh McDaniels and Coach Jedd, 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 that I can possibly be. Anything they ask of me to do, it’s my job to do it.”
One thing that was made official Thursday is that Newton was named one of the Patriots’ eight team captains. He shared a brief reaction to that news on Instagram, saying he was “grateful” and that he would “not take this opportunity for granted.
On Friday, he expanded on what being named a captain means to him.
“Words can’t even explain my feelings when I heard,” Newton said. “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 understanding that I’m not taking this opportunity for granted. 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. As far as when it comes to this team, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do besides put their best interests at heart.
“To be named captain was something that was just, like, 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, and that I have people that are looking to me, and others in that leadership council, to kind of direct the team in the right way.”
Newton and the Patriots open the season a week from Sunday against the Dolphins.