Newton takes center stage

[Future of the Funchise]

INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly everyone with a pigskin pulse has something to say about Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, but Saturday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine, those same football followers couldn't wait to hear what Newton would say about himself.

In the most anticipated and best attended news conference of the event, Newton acknowledged his issues of the past but laid out a clear vision for his future.

"I'm going to keep working on my craft to become the best quarterback possible," Newton said. "I'm motivated to try to be great."

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Newton-takes-center-stage/3ae382a8-68a8-4aed-bd66-92d8e91034a3

[rico6]

"I'm going to keep working on my craft to become the best quarterback possible," Newton said. "I'm motivated to try to be great."

All the words that a fan of any player wants to hear. If you're honestly not wanting to back the guy after saying this, then you have my pity.

[Highlandfire]

All the words that a fan of any player wants to hear. If you're honestly not wanting to back the guy after saying this, then you have my pity.

I pity you guys that buy his agent written bull poo. This guy is going to cost some team millions in wasted money and years. Wait and see.

[rico6]

[JawnyBlaze]

I just watched his press conference, and I'll say this about him - either he is VERY well coached in how to speak and react to the media or he is sincerely that motivated and that good of a guy. I'm still on the fence about him, leaning toward believing in him but not quite there yet. IF that all is sincere, he's gonna be a star and probably the icon he wants to be. If not, then he will probably be as bad for his team as Highlandfire says he will be.

[Lilsmitty09]

ive went from thinking Green to Fairley to Bowers and now to Newton...is it April yet?

[Catalyst]

I pity you guys that buy his agent written bull poo. This guy is going to cost some team millions in wasted money and years. Wait and see.

Kind of like how every QB in the league tows the company line?

But in all honesty, I actually wasn't all that impressed with the press conference. He fumbled his words a few times ("the wee nights of the hour") but I would imagine he's nervous given the situation. I'm also not thrilled about this "3rd person" stuff, but I think perhaps it's being over-played by the media a bit. I've seen much stronger interviews from him post-game on YouTube:

I don't think this notion that Cam's a "diva" is completely unfounded. He seems like he's a cocky dude, but why does that mean he can't be a good NFL QB? A LOT of NFL players are divas; I'd say the vast majority of starters are just as cocky as Cam, particularly at the skill positions.

As long as he works hard and isn't lazy and doesn't try to coast by on his athletic ability without putting in the work, he can say whatever the hell he wants. My only real concern is how he translates that attitude toward being the leader in the huddle.

To that end, I'd rather have someone who is a little cocky than someone who is afraid to assert himself and take control of the offense, so long as it doesn't rub his teammates the wrong way. And honestly, every interview I've read with his coaches and teammates at Auburn have them doing nothing but singing his praises.