Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton doesn’t want to look back on his career and have any regrets. As it is, he recently said the only thing missing from his life is something he’s come oh, so close to grabbing.
On that note, he’s more committed than ever before to be the best he can be for himself, his teammates and his coaches.
The Panthers are coming off a miserable 2016 post-Super Bowl loss campaign in which they won just six games, finishing last in the NFC South. Along the way, Newton had his worst statistical season to date in many ways, and he was battered to the point of needing offseason shoulder surgery.
While an objective analysis of the events that unfolded could hardly conclude the frustrations of last year were Newton’s fault, he’s taking ownership nonetheless.
“The more I reflect on who I am or what I have become and what I can still become — I need to be better. I know I need to be better,” Newton said, per Bill Voth of the Panthers website. “I want to be better because me being my best me helps everything else around me, including this organization.”
So what kind of things does Newton envision can help him be the best he can be?
“When you look at quarterbacks and where I’m at right now, I want to commit everything to the game of football,” Newton said. “I want my diet to display that. I want my life to display that. I don’t want to look back when I’m 40 and be like, ‘Dang, when I was 28 and we had this talent around us, I didn’t maximize it.”
Speaking of talent, the Panthers have some new pieces that could help Newton significantly. They selected Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel in the draft, both of whom should make an immediate impact.
However, the one area in which Carolina still has failed to get better — one that significantly impacts Newton personally — is on the offensive line. Signing Matt Kalil to protect Newton’s blind side seems like pure folly. Time will tell.
Regardless, Panthers fans must be excited to see their quarterback looking in the mirror, calling himself out and looking at what he needs to change to improve. That’s all good stuff that should translate to better play on the field.