Quarterback Cam Newton Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton: Joining Patriots 'a breath of fresh air'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/7/20

Cam Newton was introduced as a New England Patriot on Friday, and it appears he couldn't be any happier.

The former Panthers signal-caller signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in June, and he's entering a much better situation than what he dealt with in Carolina.

Newton on joining the Patriots: "It's a breath of fresh air, to be honest with you."
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 7, 2020

When the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater to replace Newton, the 31-year-old wasn't happy, and he even admitted that Carolina releasing him was motivating, more than anything.

Cam Newton was asked whether the way things ended in Carolina is motivating him:

"I wake up mad."

Self-motivation has been a big theme for him in this call. pic.twitter.com/iq90EOrjDa
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 7, 2020

The former MVP was released by the Panthers in March, and now he's hungrier than ever. Newton mainly has posted his workouts on Instagram since signing with the Patriots, and each time his caption is something motivational.

Newton certainly would love to become New England's starter in the post-Tom Brady era, but he wasn't guaranteed the starting position and will have to beat out Jarrett Stidham to become QB1.

Newton played just two games last season after suffering a foot injury and wasn't great during the 2018 campaign, so it remains to be seen whether or not he has enough left in the tank.

If Newton beats out the 23-year-old Stidham, it won't be that surprising — especially because Newton has made 124 career starts, made a Super Bowl appearance and was the league's MVP.

More must-reads: