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Panthers' Cam Newton Is Ready To 'embrace Charlotte'

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By jtnc,
in Carolina Panthers

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During his record-breaking rookie season, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton kept media responsibilities to a minimum and was selective in his appearances at charitable events.

He plans to reach out more into the Charlotte community this year through his foundation, he announced to a crowd of about 200 civic and business leaders Thursday evening at a private event at the Fillmore.

“To a degree, I didn’t know what I was getting into. And that was in large part (because of) a lot on my plate, starting off with the lockout,” Newton told reporters after addressing the attendees at the Fillmore.

“I didn’t know how things were going to pan out. During the season, I wanted to be focused on one thing, and that was winning football games. But now I have the opportunity, where my slate has lightened up somewhat, and I’m here tonight to try to open up and embrace Charlotte.”

Newton, who staged a similar event in his hometown of Atlanta recently, said his foundation will focus on youth initiatives. He did not announce any specific events, but said he plans to sponsor youth camps, 7-on-7 summer football leagues and activities to combat childhood obesity.

Newton, who won NFL Rookie of the Year honors after breaking Peyton Manning’s rookie passing record, said star athletes often become more distant as their fame grows.

“I’m here to show my face and come up with different ventures so that I can make myself accessible and available to the community of Charlotte,” he said.

He was joined by his parents, Cecil and Jackie, his brother, Cecil Jr., an offensive lineman with the Baltimore Ravens, and members of the foundation’s advisory board.

Newton recently returned from IMG Academies, the Bradenton, Fla., training center where he prepared for his rookie season with former Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke. During the lockout last year, Weinke had Newton call the Panthers’ plays, use their cadences at the line of scrimmage and make all the throws in the playbook.

Newton was surprised when he showed up at IMG this year and Weinke wanted him to start the same way.

“He was like, ‘Call it,’” Newton said. “I was like, ‘All right, I’m going to call it.’ Boom, just like last year. We’re out there, and that just kind of broke the ice as far as what the expectation is and me not even getting lax for a second, and getting back on track.”

He said he was pleased to hear about the contract extension received by Panthers Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith, who caught 79 passes last season after quickly jelling with Newton. He also said he would be at Bank of America Stadium on Monday when the Panthers begin offseason workouts.

Panthers owner Jerry Richardson recently told the Observer that Newton and other athletes often underestimate what it takes to run a foundation or business. Newton said he respects Richardson and has sought his advice.

“I’ll ask him questions periodically about what did it take for him to get it?” Newton said. “And the first thing he said was, ‘Save money.’ I think that’s the big goal right now.”

I love how he keeps a relationship with JR, Cam is just amazing.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/13/3170461/panthers-cam-newton-is-ready-to.html

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Sounds great. The best thing he could do for charlotte right now, in any aspect really, is bringing us a tophy. I'm sure he knows that... GO CAM!

While I think it's silly to assume he'll be gone I also think that what happens in the next four years might, *might* have something to do with what happens. So far so good.

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