As part of Cam Newton’s pre-draft visit to the Carolina Panthers, he took a visit over to Jerry Richardson’s house.

The owner completes some big business at his home. That’s where the club put the final touches on a deal for new coach Ron Rivera. Newton didn’t cement his status as the team’s No. 1 overall pick at the meeting, but he sure helped himself.

As Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer detailed, Richardson read a letter to Newton from someone who questioned how great Newton wanted to be.

“I'm saying it right now, I'm trying to be the best,” Newton said this morning when he arrived in Charlotte at the team’s headquarters. “I strive to be great. That also comes with knowing my role and staying in my lane.

“I understand that it's going to be something that's going to be instant, like instant grits. I would call it collard greens. You've got to let it just sit and wait. But at the same time it's going to be a fun process.”
Jimmy Clausen, the quarterback the Panthers drafted in the second round last year, was one of the first Panthers to congratulate Newton. He sent him a text message. Newton said he’d like to keep No. 2, the jersey number he wore at Auburn. Of course, that is the number Clausen currently owns.

“I understand right now that there's some things that are going to have to be taken care of so we'll see what we can do,” Newton said.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune