Cam Newton Reveals Release From Patriots ‘Absolutely’ Caught Him By Surprise + Says He Was Let Go Because He Was Going To Be A ‘Distraction’

Cam Newton Reveals Release From Patriots ‘Absolutely’ Caught Him By Surprise + Says He Was Let Go Because He Was Going To Be A ‘Distraction’

Cam Newton is clearing the air on his recent release from the Patriots.

As previously reported, Cam Newton was released from the New England Patriots ahead of its 2021 NFL season, after signing another one-year deal this past March.

In a new episode of Funky Fridays on his YouTube channel, Cam Newton returns to his former high school, West Lake, for an intimate conversation with his father Cecil Newton Sr. about his recent release.

As the conversation began, the three-time ProBowler spoke about his final days with the team and how he believed he was going to be cut regardless due to the ‘misunderstanding’ over COVID-19 protocols. 

After an approved trip to Atlanta for a second opinion on an old injury, Newton said he felt ‘bamboozled’ when he had to miss five days of practice and meetings. He expressed that he felt a shift after missing training camp and continued,

“They gave me clearance to go. This was the last time I felt that I had an opportunity to get a second opinion. To find out I had to sit out, that’s when I kinda felt bamboozed, because y’all told me to go. It wasn’t like, ‘Cam if you go, you’re taking up all the risk.'” 

He added,

“During that time, I started seeing signs of change. Do I think this would have happened without me being away from the team for five days? Honestly, yes. It was going to happen. Did it help ease the decision? Yes.” 

On if he was shocked by the decision he said,

“Did it catch me by surprise being released? Absolutely.”

The quarterback shared that he started losing reps in comparison to Mac Jones, the rookie from the University of Alabama, who now holds the starting position. Newton, who admits he did not play his best last year, claims the rookie did not beat him for his position but feels the decision would have caused a distraction. Newton said,

“Let me be honest with you, if they would have asked me. ‘Cam we’re going to give the team to Mac, you’re going to be second-string, we expect you to be everything and then some to guide him throughout this tenure,’ I would have said, ‘absolutely.’ But listen, the truth of the matter is this, he would have been uncomfortable.” 

He added,

“The reason why they released me is because indirectly I was going to be a distraction, without being the starter. Just my aura. That’s my gift and my curse.” 

His father Cecil, expressed a stronger sense of frustration to which Newton told him he was looking at the situation as a parent should.

The dialogue between the two continued with Newton saying this is not the end and he is not done playing football.

Following the initial news of his release, Newton posted to his story,

“I really appreciate all the love and support during this time but I must say… please don’t feel sorry for me. #ImGOOD.”

Why do you think Cam Newton was released? Tell us in the comments. 

[VIA]