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Cam Newton is the definition of a leader.
He walks the walk and talks the talk, no matter the situation. In his first season with the New England Patriots, Newton went through many ups and downs, while still lighting up every room with his smile. From MVP talks in the beginning of the season to a four-game losing streak following a positive COVID-19 test, Newton is still remaining positive.
The Patriots had a 2-5 record with little to no hope for the playoffs a couple weeks ago and now they’re 4-5 with a chance to defeat the Houston Texans this weekend for a .500 record. Newton went from seven interceptions and two touchdowns in the prior four games to zero turnovers in the last two games.
One of the main reasons for Newton’s confidence is Jakobi Meyers, the 2019 undrafted receiver that’s making a name for himself. Meyers’ and Newton’s relationship goes back to the receiver’s high school years. He was motivated by Newton’s ability to bounce back from adversity this season.
“Not too many people in the world could handle going from the top to the bottom, then working your way back,” Meyers said on Thursday, transcribed by NESN. “I mean, if you look at his life, honestly. He was a Heisman winner, the No. 1 pick. He did everything he set out to do. Just seeing him do that, get back, get hated on for his personality, for his injuries, everything.
“Even when he got here, he wasn’t playing his best. Now, he has definitely gotten better. To see him go through that and stay the same guy every day, be one of the first in the building and last to leave, it’s inspirational. It sets a good standard for a lot of young guys to look up to.”
Meyers is the team’s leading receiver with 38 catches for 353 yards and it’s mostly due to his connection with Newton.
“(It’s) definitely grown over time,” Meyers said. “It’s hard not to have a good relationship with Cam. He lights up every room he walks in. He’s a pretty genuine guy. Honestly, just getting reps with him, and being in the offense, finding my way, finding my fit in the offense took time to grow.”
🤣Cam Newton crashes Jakobi Meyers' press conference as the Patriots WR answers a question on Newton's leadership. #CamNewton | #JakobiMeyers | #Patriots | https://t.co/PsDIkSSy3F pic.twitter.com/wOG36O2ja3
— NESN (@NESN) November 19, 2020
Their connection will be the most important going forward with little help at the receiver and tight end positions.
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