Cam Newton Wants to Be Carolina Panthers Captain

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still young and has to deal with questions about his immaturity, but he is ready to take the next step in his career and emerge as a leader for the team. In his latest efforts to share that he is growing, Newton expressed his desire to one day wear the “C” for the Panthers and become a team captain.

“I recognize – and everyone knows around the league – when you’re a team captain that’s not just a patch on the jersey.  You’re holding yourself to a higher standard with being accountable,” Newton said, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.  “I’m going about it each and every day and trying to make that happen.”

With all of the veteran leadership that the team already has, it could be tough for Newton to be named a team captain despite his wishes.

What Newton can do, however, is step up as a leader no matter what patch he does or doesn’t have on his jersey. Eventually, if he continues to emerge as a leader, the “C” could f’ind it’s place on his jersey. That just doesn’t seem likely this year.

Newton needs to focus on improving his demeanor during the difficult times if he really wants to make a statement. Last year, it appeared that Newton would check out of games and pout if things weren’t going his way, and that is no way for a captain to handle themselves.

He may want to wear the “C”, which is admirable, but he needs to start from square one.