Heisman Trophy winner says he was somewhat misunderstood Aaron Wilson
INDIANAPOLIS — Cam Newton looked down and read from a prepared statement, rustling the paper in his hands as he performed some damage control following his controversial remarks where he said he wanted to be an entertainer and an icon and not just a football player.
"First and foremost, I understand that my obligation is to be the best possible football player that I can be," said Newton, who's planning to conduct a full workout at the NFL scouting combine and will take part in the Auburn campus Pro Day workout on March 8. "I know and believe that. The recent comments were made during the announcement of my new endorsement partnership. I was making the point that I want to be the best possible ambassador for them, just like I want to be the best possible ambassador for whatever team I'm lucky enough to play for.
"I'm excited to compete this week and you will see me doing everything possible to be the best possible player that I can be. And first and foremost I'm blessed to be in this whole situation and I couldn't be in a better place than I am right now."
The Auburn star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner seemed to win over an initially skeptical crowd, drawing some smiles even when he referred to himself in the third person.
Why did he make the statement?
"For me seeing how it did happen, I felt like it was somewhat misunderstood," Newton said. "It was partly my mistake for not making myself clear. That was my fault. Football is my No. 1 priority. I want to make that perfectly clear. This is a dream I've always envisioned myself doing."
Newton also addressed the NCAA investigation his father, Cecil Newton was embroiled in last season.
It was a lot of scrutiny as Newton led his team to the national championship.
"During this whole process with the NCAA, it's been me facing adversity and I think I owe a lot of my due diligence to my supporting cast, my teammates,my coaching staff, my close friends, my family members and people that have been available to me in the wee nights and the hours," said Newton, who appeared to read from prepared remarks when asked about the off-field issues."My relationship with my father was already good when this whole adversity came up with the NCAA. With this whole NCAA thing swirling around my family and everybody that was affiliated with me, it just brought me and my father closer together."
Does the NFL ask Newton if his father will be a positive influence on him?
"Yes sir, the question has been asked," Newton said. "My answer is, 'My father is like any other father that wants the best for his son. He wants to see me succeed in every way possible.'"
Newton also addressed the incident at Florida where he stole a laptop computer, saying he learned from his mistakes.
"I wouldn't make that same mistake again," Newton said.
Newton was asked if people might mistake his confidence for cockiness.
"I'm not sure, but I'm a confident person," Newton said. "It was instilled in me at a young age to believe in myself first and foremost. If I don't believe in myself, who will I expect to believe in me?"
Newton is being advised by Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.
"He's someone I look up to," Newton said. "He's always available. He tells me what he feels like his best advice will be."
Newton said he's put on the spot during the meetings with teams, meetings which included the Dallas Cowboys' scouting contingent.
"Each and every team, they keep you on your toes," Newton said. "It's been a fun experience so far."
Newton said he's working out hard and preparing himself.
"I'm just going to keep working on my craft and that's to become the best quarterback possible in this transition," Newton said. "Obviously everyone knows that Cam has been working in a spread offense and I have been trying to work as much as possible on trying to be fluent on dropping back from center with the three-step game, the five-step game, the seven-step drop.
"We've been working day and night on the field, in the film room and on the chalkboard. My focus is to be the best player I can be. I'm a competitor. That's what I do. I like to compete. I was motivated to want to be great."
Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider
