Even though Cam Newton was arguably done dirty by the New England Patriots at the end of his career, being suddenly cut in the summer just ahead of the 2021 season when the franchise decided to make Mac Jones the starter, the former Heisman winner at Auburn harbors no resentment towards the city or its fans.
New England's No. 3 overall pick and new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye, revealed Newton's words of wisdom to him at the NFL draft, and they were all positive.
“The first thing he said was about the fans. What a great city, great sports town, great sports area here in New England. Got the Celtics right over there and the Red Sox and the Bruins,” Maye said during his introductory press conference April 26 at Gillette Stadium (h/t NESN). “So, just a great sports city was the first thing he said. He said just to be yourself, enjoy it, embrace it.”
Cam Newton was a childhood hero of Drake Maye growing up in Charlotte
Maye is the ultimate North Carolina kid, having grown up in its biggest city, Charlotte, and later attending UNC; where he'd become a top-three talent under center. But as Maye revealed, one of the biggest influences of his success was the former Carolina Panthers MVP-winner Newton.
“Cam Newton, growing up in Charlotte, he was my MVP,” Maye said. “Just a great player. Had a short stint here where he was making plays. So, it was fun to see him do that. But just glad I got to meet one of my idols growing up and share and ask him questions about New England.”
The connections between Newton and Maye are undeniable, and while the former's time with the Patriots will ultimately be a footnote of his career, what he represented to Maye could ultimately have a bigger influence in New England than anyone could've imagined.