Cam Newton to Critics: ‘I Am My Own Person’

Archie Manning told reporters last week “I think Peyton’s done in Denver”, but John Elway on Tuesday said no decision has been made.

Newton, who led Carolina to its best regular-season record at 15-1, said he thought the story of his postgame behavior was being overblown by the media.

“If I offended somebody, that’s cool…but I know who I am”. But you must pay close attention to what they say and what they do. I’ve said it since Day One: I am who I am.

“The one thing about Cam that I think a lot of people have to understand is he hates to lose”. But he’s handled everything with poise and grace, both accepting ownership over what happened in the game, while also backing up his players, including Newton. “I think he’ll learn and grow from this situation and come back stronger next year”.

“That’s who he is”.

What did Ron Rivera say after the game? “I’m just happy we were on the good side of things this time”. People knew we were going to win, but they didn’t know how fast we would win. We don’t play this game for a participation trophy.

Said Gettleman: “Everybody wants to win. More like fig newton!”

In some past Carolina defeats, he’s sat distraught at his locker still in his uniform for more than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Denver isn’t ready to close the door on a possible Peyton Manning return, despite what his father has said. At one point we were undefeated, and the truth of the matter is, we’ve got two losses. He has said he’s going to take some time before deciding whether he’s going to retire or not.

As for anyone thinking he gave up on the play, Newton said as long as his teammates and coaches support him, he’s OK with what anyone else may say about him.

“When you invest so much and sacrifice so much, and things don’t go as planned, emotions take over”. “In our minds, here in this building, he’s the coach of the year, and he’s done a terrific job and we’re very, very proud of him”.