Cam Newton Shares Video Letter Dedicated to Son: 'Be Better Than Me'

On the heels of the 2016 NFL season, Cam Newton wrote an open letter to his son, Chosen.

The Players' Tribune published his message and produced the accompanying video, which the Carolina Panthers quarterback posted on Twitter.

Chosen celebrated his first birthday on Dec. 24. "I guess it's true what they say," Newton said of the milestone. "Time flies."

The proud father, who looked over family photos and videos, encouraged his child to strive for greatness in whatever he does.

"Don't be like me, son. Be better than me. You don't have to be an athlete to be accepted by me. You can be whatever you want to be. But whatever you decide, I challenge you to be the best."

As Newton explained to David Newton of ESPN.com, he wanted to create a memorable birthday present instead of buying material possessions.

"I want to be able to do something for him that he will go back and look and track over the years."

[Cam Newton]