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AFP
Miami
Tom Brady, who has landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl titles with New England, says he’s looking forward, not back, and is eager to get up to speed with his new team.
The task is complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, with NFL team training and other activities on hold and team facilities shut down.
Even Brady’s introductory press conference, usually a chance for a team to show off such a prized acquisition, had to be conducted by conference call on Tuesday.
But Brady said he’s still eager to get going, and is not expecting any special considerations as he sets about learning the system of coach Bruce Arians and eventually settling in with “really talented” teammates including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, tight ends O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate and running back Ronald Jones.
“I said the other day, no one cares what you’ve done in the past,” Brady said. “They don’t care what you did last year, five years ago or 10 years ago.
“And I think, hopefully, the knowledge I’ve had with my experience playing quarterback will allow me to transition quickly.
“There’s a lot of things I’ve got to get up to speed on. Obviously learning different terminology, that’s a unique challenge that I haven’t faced, but it’s one that I’m looking forward to also.
“It’s a new program that I’m a part of, and they have their way of doing things, and they’re committed to winning. I’ve got to come in and do my part, and that’s why I’m here.”
Brady shed little light on the events that preceded his departure as a free agent from New England, where his relationship with coach Bill Belichick had reportedly come under strain in recent seasons even as he remained close to the Patriots’ billionaire owner Robert Kraft.
“I leave there with just great admiration for the people and the organization,” Brady said. “It’s a world-class, first-class organization in every way.
“There is no one who is a bigger fan of the Patriots than me,” Brady said. “I have nothing but total respect and love. I’m so grateful to Mr. Kraft, the organisation and coach Belichick and all the coaches.”
But after signing a contract with the Bucs worth a reported $50 million over two years, he said he was ready to embrace a new challenge.
“This is an exciting moment for me in my life,” Brady said. “This is something obviously that’s very unique to me, it’s something that hasn’t happened in 20 years. So I’m kind of taking it day by day. The expectation for me is to come in and do what I feel is right for the organisation, that’s to be a great team player.”
Newton quits Panthers
According to reports from Washington, the Carolina Panthers confirmed their parting with quarterback Cam Newton, releasing their quarterback of nine years.
“Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas,” general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. “Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching.
“He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise.”
The kind words come a week after Newton took the Panthers to task after the team seemed to indicate he had sought to be traded as the club finalised a deal for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
“Stop with the word play!!” Newton, the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player, wrote on Instagram. “I never asked for it!! There is no dodging this one. I love the Panthers to death and will always love you guys!!
“Please do not try and play me, or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this; you forced me into this!!”
As recently as January, Newton said he “absolutely” believed he would be in Carolina in the coming season.
In recent weeks the Panthers reportedly explored trade options with several teams, but no deal materialized for the 30-year-old Newton, who has dealt with a string of injuries.
After two shoulder surgeries in less than two years, he was sidelined much of 2019 with a left foot injury.
Newton, who had one year left on his contract and was owed $21.1 million, was the top pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
He was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year that season and in 2015 led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in which they were beaten by the Denver Broncos.
Miami
Tom Brady, who has landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl titles with New England, says he’s looking forward, not back, and is eager to get up to speed with his new team.
The task is complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, with NFL team training and other activities on hold and team facilities shut down.
Even Brady’s introductory press conference, usually a chance for a team to show off such a prized acquisition, had to be conducted by conference call on Tuesday.
But Brady said he’s still eager to get going, and is not expecting any special considerations as he sets about learning the system of coach Bruce Arians and eventually settling in with “really talented” teammates including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, tight ends O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate and running back Ronald Jones.
“I said the other day, no one cares what you’ve done in the past,” Brady said. “They don’t care what you did last year, five years ago or 10 years ago.
“And I think, hopefully, the knowledge I’ve had with my experience playing quarterback will allow me to transition quickly.
“There’s a lot of things I’ve got to get up to speed on. Obviously learning different terminology, that’s a unique challenge that I haven’t faced, but it’s one that I’m looking forward to also.
“It’s a new program that I’m a part of, and they have their way of doing things, and they’re committed to winning. I’ve got to come in and do my part, and that’s why I’m here.”
Brady shed little light on the events that preceded his departure as a free agent from New England, where his relationship with coach Bill Belichick had reportedly come under strain in recent seasons even as he remained close to the Patriots’ billionaire owner Robert Kraft.
“I leave there with just great admiration for the people and the organization,” Brady said. “It’s a world-class, first-class organization in every way.
“There is no one who is a bigger fan of the Patriots than me,” Brady said. “I have nothing but total respect and love. I’m so grateful to Mr. Kraft, the organisation and coach Belichick and all the coaches.”
But after signing a contract with the Bucs worth a reported $50 million over two years, he said he was ready to embrace a new challenge.
“This is an exciting moment for me in my life,” Brady said. “This is something obviously that’s very unique to me, it’s something that hasn’t happened in 20 years. So I’m kind of taking it day by day. The expectation for me is to come in and do what I feel is right for the organisation, that’s to be a great team player.”
Newton quits Panthers
According to reports from Washington, the Carolina Panthers confirmed their parting with quarterback Cam Newton, releasing their quarterback of nine years.
“Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas,” general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. “Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching.
“He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise.”
The kind words come a week after Newton took the Panthers to task after the team seemed to indicate he had sought to be traded as the club finalised a deal for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
“Stop with the word play!!” Newton, the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player, wrote on Instagram. “I never asked for it!! There is no dodging this one. I love the Panthers to death and will always love you guys!!
“Please do not try and play me, or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this; you forced me into this!!”
As recently as January, Newton said he “absolutely” believed he would be in Carolina in the coming season.
In recent weeks the Panthers reportedly explored trade options with several teams, but no deal materialized for the 30-year-old Newton, who has dealt with a string of injuries.
After two shoulder surgeries in less than two years, he was sidelined much of 2019 with a left foot injury.
Newton, who had one year left on his contract and was owed $21.1 million, was the top pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
He was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year that season and in 2015 led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in which they were beaten by the Denver Broncos.
