Steve Smith: Carolina Panthers WR Says He Learned from Cam Newton

The greatest Carolina Panther to ever play signed a three-year contract extension with the organization on Tuesday. An 11-year veteran of the NFL, Steve Smith is the all-time leading receiver in Panthers history. It's fairly safe to assume that Smith isn't interested in taking any tips from his first-year quarterback, Cam Newton.

To make that assumption would be wrong.

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“The one thing that I think helped me was don’t think about what I could teach him, Cam. I would see what I could learn from Cam,” Smith said. “A young guy with a fresh pair of eyes, a new perspective, being at the college level coming into an organization he knows nothing about. The things he sees and observes is totally different from me because I am a little skewed because of how long I’ve been here.

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In so many words, Smith became jaded after a decade in Charlotte. It was less than a year ago right now that he was cleaning out his locker.

It's not as simple as saying that Cam Newton helped Smith have fun with the game again. Something that Smith saw in Newton made him realize what a great situation he was privy to. Perhaps it was playing for the franchise owned by Jerry Richardson, or in a market without a major media outlet.

Smith referred to the way he was looking at the situation as "skewed." Was he taking playing in Carolina for granted? Whatever it was, Smith learned the situation he was in was one that a star like Cam Newton could value and flourish in. Sometimes, that speaks volumes to teammates.

It's hard for some to believe that it took the infusion of an all-world rookie to help the former Pro Bowl receiver wake up and smell the coffee again.

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“I mean with Cam coming along and what he has done as a first overall pick, as a quarterback, as a young guy is contagious.” Smith said. “No matter how old you are or how young you are. Whether you’re a little kid or a big kid, it’s contagious and everybody wants to be involved in it. I learned a lot from him and continue to learn a lot from him as well.”

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It's positive for the Panthers to have Steve Smith rejuvenated, because he'll serve as Newton's go-to guy for an additional three years. When he's content, his production seems to soar (he had 79 catches for 1394 yards and seven touchdowns after having around that the previous two seasons combined).

It's good to know that a young pup like Cam can teach an old dog like Smith new tricks. Besides, how can Newton be the NFL's Michael Jordan without his Scottie Pippen?