A little over a week after he was released from the New England Patriots’ roster, Cam Newton had a one-on-one conversation with his father, Cecil, to discuss his final days with the team.
During his interview with his father, Newton revealed how he found out that he was going to be released by the Patriots. It was an awkward moment for the former MVP and the Patriots’ coaching staff.
“When it happened, I went through the meeting – Matt Patricia and Bill [Belichick were there] – and we greeted each other and started talking,” Newton said. “At that time, they told me they were going to give the reigns to Mac, and I was like ‘OK, cool.’ It didn’t dawn on me that y’all are releasing me. I was confused – it was uncomfortable for everyone.”
Surprisingly, Newton doesn’t believe his five-day absence in late August played a factor in New England’s decision.
“Do I think this would have happened without me being away for five days? Honestly, yes. It was gonna happen. Did it help ease the decision? Yes.”
Cam Newton on the day he was released.#Patriots @wbz
(Via @NFL_DovKleiman)
pic.twitter.com/bozACyFkHh— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) September 10, 2021
Newton believes the Patriots cut him last Tuesday because it’s challenging to have such a large personality sitting on the bench behind a rookie quarterback.
“The reason they released me is because, indirectly, I was going to be a distraction without being the starter,” Newton explained. “Just my aura … that’s my gift and my curse. When you bring a Cam Newton to your facility, when you bring a Cam Newton to your franchise, people are interested.”
Newton’s future in the NFL remains up in the air. Hopefully, he’ll receive another chance elsewhere this season.
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