Panthers' Davis: Newton has 'matured' since post-Super Bowl interview
Despite earning the regular-season MVP award and putting together the best statistical season of his five-year career, the lasting image of Cam Newton's 2015 season was arguably the quarterback's surly post-Super Bowl interview.
Newton received widespread criticism for his supposed lack of grace following the Carolina Panthers' loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. He appeared to sulk through the interview with his hood on, giving limited responses before walking off early.
The 27-year-old later admitted he handled the situation poorly, and veteran linebacker Thomas Davis - one of the Panthers' most respected leaders - believes Newton has learned from his mistake.
"Cam understands and he knows that, in that situation, being who he is, being the role model that he is, he has to handle that situation better," Davis told Alex Marvez and Kirk Morrison on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Wednesday.
"And he's learned from that, I feel like. Hopefully, we're never in that position again where we're losing the Super Bowl, but I definitely feel like Cam has matured since that point and he's definitely going to be much better at handling different adverse situations like that."
Newton's attitude postgame appeared to be caused in part by his proximity to the Broncos players, who were naturally vocal in their celebrations and could be heard describing how they bested Newton and the Panthers. That made Newton's actions more understandable, if not totally justifiable for a franchise quarterback.
- With h/t to NFL.com