Cam Newton Speaks out in First Press Conference Since Car Accident

Tyler ConwayDec 11, 2014

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton doesn't know when he'll be back on the field. And at a Thursday press conference, his first since suffering a back injury in a scary car accident this week, the Pro Bowler indicated he doesn't really care; he's just happy to be alive.

"When I'm coming back, who cares? That's not something I'm worried about right now. I'm just thankful to have breath in my lungs so I can breathe again," Newton said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.

Newton, 25, was involved in a two-car accident in Charlotte on Tuesday after another driver pulled out in front of his car. The collision left Newton with two transverse process fractures in his back and kept him in the hospital until Wednesday. Newton took to Instagram to say how lucky he was:

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Newton reiterated a similar stance Thursday.

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"I feel great. I could be feeling much worse, as we all know. Me being a religious person, you know, God is good, man, and looking at the situation at hand, I'm lucky to be standing in front of you guys right now."
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Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer shared Newton's theory as to why the situation wasn't much worse:

Carolina has already ruled Newton out for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has said there is no timetable for his return. Derek Anderson, who started Week 1 against Tampa Bay, will take over under center as long as Newton is out.

Though they sit 4-8-1, the Panthers still have a chance to win the NFC South. They are tied with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons in the loss column and have a game remaining against Atlanta in Week 17.

Newton has thrown for 2,812 yards and 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions this season.

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