CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton rode into practice on Friday sitting in the front passenger seat of a golf cart accompanied by a Panthers staffer and teammates Robby Anderson and DJ Moore chilling behind him.
The Carolina Panthers’ all-time leader in wins (68), passing yards (29,041), rushing touchdowns (58) and passing touchdowns (182) was back in Charlotte after signing a one-year deal worth up to $10 million and $4.5 million guaranteed on Thursday.
Newton flashed his signature smile before arriving at the Panthers’ walk-through. Once practice began, Newton worked one-on-one with quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan during the open portion available to media.
All this was a prelude to Newton’s first press conference, which the Panthers conducted virtually Friday afternoon. Once he took the podium, Newton set his focus on the future and spoke passionately about his dedication to pushing the Panthers (4-5) to playoffs.
“I’m still floating,” Newton said about rejoining the Panthers. “I feel like I’m going to say this a lot: It’s not about me. It’s about being an additional piece to this team, and that’s the way I plan on keeping it.”
The Panthers do not expect Newton to play on Sunday against the Cardinals (8-1). However, coach Matt Rhule did not rule out the possibility. Newton will travel to Arizona. If active, the Panthers would carry three quarterbacks, starter P.J. Walker, Matt Barkley and Newton.
Newton arriving in Carolina transpired over a 36-hour period between Tuesday evening and Thursday morning. The Panthers decided to reach out to Newton after further testing on Sam Darnold’s shoulder revealed he would be out four to six weeks. Rhule called Newton on Tuesday night to gauge Newton’s interest in joining the Panthers.
He was emphatically interested.
“It was a no-brainer and obviously there’s the added dimension about the familiarity here,” Newton said. “You know why I’m here. ... This ain’t for no Cinderella story — it’s to win football games.”
A meeting took place with Rhule, assistant general manager Dan Morgan, assistant to the head coach Los Delgado and vice president of player personnel Pat Stewart. Carolina talked contract details with Newton’s representatives and by Thursday Newton rejoined the team that selected him No. 1 overall in 2011.
