We asked people in Charlotte how they felt about Cam’s return. Here’s what they said.
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Cam returns to the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have confirmed they are bringing back their former quarterback, Cam Newton, in a one-year deal.
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News of Cam Newton’s return to the Carolina Panthers spread quickly through uptown Thursday, with many liking what they were hearing.
Montrell Peat, 33, was on his way back from a Veterans’ Day celebration with his three sons and a few of their classmates when he heard the news about Newton’s one-year deal to return as the Panthers quarterback.
His initial response? Cautiously optimistic. Newton has a big ego, he said. But that might not be such a bad thing.
“I feel like you’ve got to have a big ego to be a quarterback,” Peat said. “You got to be very confident in everything that you do, down to tying your shoe.”
He added that Newton’s return back will probably boost morale in the stands. “The city stands behind Cam a lot. I think it’s a good way to sell more tickets, to get more seats filled in the stadium... there’ll be a lot more good energy.”
‘A good fit’
Marcus Smith, a construction worker in uptown, was taking his lunch break across from the Bank of America headquarters and likewise had heard about Newton’s return.
He’s from New York City and considers the Giants to be his home team, but is excited to see the former star quarterback back at Bank of America Stadium.
“He’s a good fit for the Panthers,” said Smith, 45. “The offensive scheme really fits him...I can’t wait to see him back. I think he’ll do well.”
He agreed Newton can come off as “kind of pompous” sometimes. “However, he’s an exceptional quarterback,” he said. “If Tom Brady or Peyton Manning says something slick, people don’t get mad.”
Simon Gebrejiristos, of Charlotte was wearing a Cam Newton jersey in front of the stadium. Summing up his reaction, and no doubt the thoughts of a lot of Newton’s fans, said simply, “Christmas came early.”
Family members Gladys, Devlin and Isaiah Adams were also outside the Bank of America Stadium on Thursday.
“We were excited the moment we heard the news,” Devlin Adams said. They stopped by the stadium soon afterthe news broke to pick up their season tickets, decked out in their Panthers gear.
Devlin, who lives in Gastonia, said she’s been an avid Panthers fan since 1996. Newton’s return brings an energy back to the team, she said.
With a big smile, 9-year-old Isaiah said Newton was his favorite player. And to prove it, he then struck the quarterback’s famous “dab” pose.
Staff writer Jonathan Alexander contributed
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 2:15 PM with the headline "We asked people in Charlotte how they felt about Cam’s return. Here’s what they said.."
