The Carolina Panthers have voted third-year quarterback Cam Newton a team captains, ESPN is reporting.
The former Heisman Trophy Winner and first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has been criticized for his leadership following back-to-back losing seasons and team officials are hopeful such a show of faith in him might propel him to be his best NFL season. .
Newton, who was not available for comment after Thursday's practice, previously told ESPN of the prospect "I recognize and everyone knows around the league, when you're captain, that's not just a patch on the jersey. You're holding yourself to a higher standard with being accountable. I'm going about it each and every day and trying to make that happen."
Coach Ron Rivera announced before practice that Steve Smith, Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly will join the 23-year-old Newton as official team leaders. Representatives were selected by team vote.
"I'm excited about who he's becoming," Rivera told ESPN of Newton. "Last year, you could see he was growing. Cam is still growing, but he's also a little more mature a little more comfortable, a little more savvy. He's learned a lot of things, and he can do those things that can help us, that can give us an opportunity to win football games."
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