Even though he was their starting quarterback for nine seasons, Cam Newton was let go by the Carolina Panthers in mid-March. What followed was an almost six-month journey that saw him remain on the open market until late June, sign a minimum-value free agency pact with the New England Patriots, and compete for the role previously held by the most successful player in pro football history, Tom Brady.
The latest chapter of Newton’s 10th year in the league was written just this Thursday. Not only was he named the Patriots’ new starting quarterback following a training camp competition against second-year man Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer, he also was voted a captain by his teammates.