Cam Newton.Photo: Steven Senne-Pool/Getty
Cam Newton is getting another run at the New England Patriots starting quarterback job.
The 31-year-old is signing a $14 million contract to return to the Patriots for one year, followingTom Brady’s departure from the club in early 2020, according toESPN.
During Newton’s first go with the team, the Patriots ended their season with a 7-9 record, missing their chance at the playoffs. Brady, on the other hand, won the 2021 Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he justsigned an extensionon Friday.
Despite the lackluster record, Newton seemed to enjoy his time in New England, especially with head coach Bill Belichick. “I think Bill Belichick is the most misunderstood person in all of sports,” Newton said during an episode of theI Am Athletepodcastin February.
“He’s dope as s—. Like, he is a cool dude. He understands the game,” he added. “He’s like a historian of the game. For you to just sit down and chat with him it’s like, damn, he’s going back and he’s got film. Like, literally teaching the game.”
During the interview — which was filmed alongside former NFL players Chad Johnson, Brandon Marshall, and Fred Taylor — Newton said he’d like to return to the Patriots.
“I’m getting tired of changing,” explained Newton, who spent most of his career with the Carolina Panthers. “I’m at the point in my career where I know way more than I knew last year.”
Around the time the podcast was published, Newton made headlines when a high school football player was filmedtaunting him during a football camp. The student, Jseth Owens of Perkiomen Valley High School in Pennsylvania, went viral after he taunted Newton for being a free agent. He later apologized on social media.
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After the incident, Newton posted a lengthy message on hisInstagrampage that included footage of him speaking with Owens after the altercation.
source: people.com
