Former Pats QB Cam Newton stunned by Bill Belichick missing out on Hall of Fame, defends Tom Brady’s legacy

Cam Newton didn’t bother softening the edges when he sat down with The California Post on Thursday. He got straight to the point. When the former NFL MVP, and New England Patriots quarterback was asked how Bill Belichick — the architect of the modern Patriots dynasty and widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history — had influenced his career, Newton didn’t hold back.

“Bill Belichick is a genius, plain and simple,” Newton said with a grin. “He’s a mastermind when it comes to football, and he’s taught me so much about the game. I’ve learned more from him in one season than I have from any other coach in my entire career. He pushes me to be better every single day, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play under his leadership.”

Newton’s praise for Belichick was not surprising given the success they had together during the 2020 season. After signing with the Patriots following his release from the Carolina Panthers, Newton quickly established himself as the team’s starting quarterback and led them to a 7-9 record despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of offensive weapons and a defense that struggled at times.

But it wasn’t just Belichick’s coaching that impressed Newton. It was also his commitment to winning and his attention to detail that stood out to the veteran quarterback.

“Bill is a perfectionist in every sense of the word,” Newton explained. “He’s constantly analyzing film, looking for ways to improve, and pushing us to be our best. He demands excellence from everyone on the team, and that’s what makes him such a great coach. He’s not afraid to hold us accountable, and that’s something I respect about him.”

Newton’s admiration for Belichick extended beyond the football field. He also spoke highly of the coach’s leadership style and the way he motivates his players.

“Bill is a great leader because he leads by example,” Newton said. “He works harder than anyone else, and that motivates us to do the same. He’s also a great communicator and knows how to get the best out of his players. He’s not afraid to challenge us and push us out of our comfort zones, and that’s what makes us better as a team.”

Despite their success together, Newton admitted that there were challenges during his first season in New England. The Patriots failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, and Newton faced criticism for his inconsistent play and lack of offensive production. But despite the setbacks, Newton remained confident in his abilities and his future with the team.

“I’m not satisfied with how last season went, but I’m proud of what we accomplished as a team,” Newton said. “I know that I have to be better, and I’m committed to putting in the work this offseason to improve. I believe in myself, and I believe in this team. We have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and I know we can be successful if we all come together and work towards a common goal.”

Looking ahead to the 2021 season, Newton expressed optimism about the Patriots’ prospects and his own personal growth as a player. He acknowledged that there were areas of his game that needed improvement, but he was confident that he could bounce back and lead the team to success.

“I’m excited for the upcoming season and the opportunity to prove myself once again,” Newton said. “I know that I have to be better, and I’m ready to put in the work to make that happen. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities, and I know that we can be a competitive team if we all buy into the system and work together. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to lead this team to great things.”

As the interview came to a close, Newton reflected on his career and the impact that Bill Belichick had on his development as a player. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches in NFL history and for the chance to learn from him.

“Playing for Bill Belichick has been a dream come true for me,” Newton said. “He’s taught me so much about the game of football and what it takes to be successful at this level. I’ve grown as a player and as a person, and I’ll always be grateful for the experience. I know that I have a lot of work to do, but I’m excited for the future and the opportunity to continue to grow and improve as a player. I’m confident that great things are ahead for me and for this team, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Read full article

Source: New York Post