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Cam Newton opens up about Patriots release, says he was open to backing up Mac Jones

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/10/21

Cam Newton promised to share thoughts about his release from the New England Patriots with a "Funky Friday" video, and he delivered on that promise.

The former MVP sat down with his father for a conversation about his final days in New England, including the days of practice he missed after a COVID-19 protocol misunderstanding while away from the team.

There was initial speculation that the Patriots released Newton because of the protocol misunderstanding and because he's not vaccinated against COVID-19. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. Newton told his father that he thinks he would've been released whether he was with the team for those five days or not.

"Do I think this would have happened without me being away for five days? Honestly, yes," Newton said. "It was gonna happen. Did it help ease the decision? Yes."

Those comments led to the question about why he got released when final roster cuts were made last month. Newton said he began to receive fewer first-team reps in practice than rookie quarterback Mac Jones, which signaled the team's eventual decision.

The 32-year-old added that he would have "absolutely" been fine backing up Jones and even told the Patriots that was the case but was confused when he realized he was being cut in a meeting with Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia.

Newton went on to explain that he believes he was released because it would have been uncomfortable for Jones to have a seasoned veteran looking over his shoulder, which would have put unnecessary pressure on the Alabama product.

"The reason they released me is because, indirectly, I was going to be a distraction without being the starter," Newton said. "Just my aura... That's my gift and my curse. When you bring a Cam Newton to your facility, when you bring a Cam Newton to your franchise, people are interested."

Newton added he thinks the Patriots would be winners with either quarterback calling the shots, but sticking with him would have made it more challenging to switch to Jones later in the year.

Belichick and the Patriots will see if they made the right decision this weekend when Jones makes his NFL regular-season debut against former Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins.

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