Cam Newton says he isn't going to change who he is to make other people happy.
"I am who I am and I know what got me to this point," the Carolina Panthers' quarterback said this week, per The Associated Press.
Cam's father, Cecil Newton, doesn't want his son to be someone else either, but he acknowledges his son needs to change how he handles adversity.
"He's probably not dealing with it the best way in terms of the way the public sees it, and some people see it is as immature," Cecil said. "Cam is an intense player who's committed his whole heart to winning. I think the immature action is the opposite. If Cam didn't care that'd be immature and cause for concern."
Cecil has been bothered by how Cam has dealt with the media following losses. Following one game this season, Newton kept his eyes closed while responding to a reporter. It's the type of behavior that doesn't go over well.
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"You have to table it," Cecil said. "It's OK to be dejected, but not at the expense that the media can't do their job. And I think he did a better job of doing that after the Seattle game."
The narrative that Cam Newton reacts poorly to losses because he "cares too much" won't go far in this league. He proved last season that he had the physical tools to excel in the NFL. Whether he can hack it mentally will determine whether he's a star, just another guy, or worse.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
