Cam Newton dabbing to celebrate 'greatness in the air'

Whether it's warranted or not, Cam Newton's touchdown celebrations are getting as much attention as his on-field heroics.

Newton commanded the Carolina Panthers to an unblemished 13-0 start, but his adoption of "dabbing" - a dance popularized by rap trio Migos - is drawing both widespread praise and ire.

One of the leading MVP candidates, Newton took time to explain why he's in such a great mood lately.

"We're celebrating because there's greatness in the air,” Newton said to Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer. "People are making the most of each and every opportunity that they get, and I hope it never stops - especially this season."

Newton is keenly aware that he ought to capitalize on his stardom now, but said he hasn't changed fundamentally from the person he always was.

"I think a lot of it has to do with winning, I can tell you that. If I was doing a lot of things that I'm doing right now when we weren't winning, I'd be getting (eaten) up and spit back out," he said. "Especially with this dancing that some people approve of and some people don't. I'm human. I understand that winning sweeps a lot of things under the rug. But my influence still hasn’t changed. I was doing this when we were 3-8-1. There’s a lot that comes with being a quarterback in this league, and it’s not for long. So while I have an opportunity to do a lot of things, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability."

The Panthers already clinched a first-round bye, and Newton is projected to win the first MVP award of his career - a nice addition to the Heisman Trophy he captured in 2010. In the midst of his best professional campaign, his flawless dance moves ought to be celebrated.