Cam Newton, former NFL quarterback, went on to speak about how the New England Patriots let go of him after only one season. On Tuesday’s episode of ‘4th and 1’ podcast, Newton reminisced about this, especially how gracefully the team handled the situation. Apparently, Newton was shocked with the news, which was broken to him by head coach, Bill Belichick.
Newton was the first pick in the very first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and was selected by the Carolina Panthers where he played from 2011 to 2019. After this, Newton moved to the New England Patriots in the 2020 NFL season. In 2021, Newton was with the Carolina Panthers but didn’t play and soon retired from the game after that.
“There’s no hate … I had to ask. I was like, “Are y’all releasing me?” It was like, “Yes, we’re going with Mac Jones.” And I was like, “Damn, damn.” It was hitting me. Then I was like, yo. I literally went from a franchise player that didn’t even think—like, yo, the last, the third preseason game—you knew that was what they call it, like, the Grim Reaper was going to walk. But they handled it with so much grace and professionalism that I couldn’t do nothing but—damn—I respect it.” Cam Newton said on the ‘4th and 1’ podcast.
.@CameronNewton and Matt Patricia revisit the moment the Patriots released him—and why Cam respected how the Patriots handled it despite the circumstances pic.twitter.com/T4xk135asX
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) February 11, 2025
While Cam Newton played for the Philadelphia Eagles under coach Bill Belichick, the head coach has also since then moved on. Currently, Belichick is the head coach of the college football program with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Cam Newton Criticized By Steve Smith Sr. For ‘Losers’ Comments
On another note, Cam Newton was recently criticized by former Carolina Panthers wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr. for calling the team ‘losers’. Newton remarked that he entered a “locker room of losers” after being picked first in the 2011 NFL draft. He also commented that the players of the then team did not know how to win or prepare for games, and that the whole thing was a ‘culture shock’ for him.
“None of us are perfect. Yes, we were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about Panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done!!!” Steve Smith Sr. tweeted through his X account.
It was not just Steve Smith Sr. who found time to criticize Newton for his comments, but also Geoff Schwartz, former Carolina Panthers guard. Schwartz reminded Newton that the team was 12-4 before Newton ever joined the team.
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