David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Cam Newton on Super Bowl loss: 'It's nothing about encores or looking back'

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton learned a lot from his Super Bowl 50 loss to the Denver Broncos, but no real details he wanted to share.

"I gain nothing [by] going back," the reigning NFL MVP said on Friday, the first time he has spoken to the media at training camp. "We have passed that bridge, and I have learned from it. Now it’s about making the most of this team.

"I couldn’t wait, knowing that I could have all of my focus on [training camp] and the Carolina Panthers. ... Focusing and honing in on my craft. I have been counting the days just to get back with the guys."

Newton received heavy criticism for walking out on his news conference following the Panthers' 24-10 loss to Denver.

He’s admitted several times since that he learned from that moment and the loss.

"I’m a better person from it," Newton said. "It’s nothing about encores or looking back. It’s about living in the moment. This is a time I have looked forward to, just with the excruciating offseason with traveling, being here and there, and making family time ... doing something I have never done with the TV show."

Newton spent much of his offseason filming 20 segments of his Nickelodeon TV show "All in With Cam Newton" in which he paired kids with mentors to help them fulfill their dreams.

He often worked late at night after a day of "eating gummy worms and chips" on set. That made workouts and meals -- to be ready for offseason workouts and ultimately training camp -- a challenge. Having his personal trainer on the road with him much of the time helped.

"You have to remember your day job," Newton said.

Coach Ron Rivera has challenged Newton to improve on his MVP season, in which he threw a career-best 35 touchdowns and ran for 10 more.

Newton said it’s the little things he needs to work on, referring to advice from team owner Jerry Richardson.

"As Mr. Richardson says, the layups, the gimme throws," Newton said. "Me having good conversations with him numerous, I always ask [for] brutal honesty from the superior forces in my life.

"You hear it often. 'Yeah, you can throw the comebacks and the digs, but what about the checkdowns and slants?' Getting back to the small nuances of the games, that makes a big difference."

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