In a recent statement, former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton reflected on his arrival in 2011, describing it as entering a “locker room of losers.” This remark did not sit well with former teammate Steve Smith Sr. and several members of the Panthers’ 2010 roster, who voiced their objections to his comments publicly.

Newton further elaborated on the issue during a recent episode of his podcast, Fourth and 1. He questioned the sensitivity surrounding his comments, stating, “When did we become so sensitive? When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is? A locker room full of losers? Aggressive, but it’s true.”

According to Newton, his remarks were not aimed at individual players, but rather at the overall team culture that resulted in a dismal 2-14 record the previous season, prior to him being drafted as the first overall pick.

“I’m not specifically talking about those guys,” Newton clarified. “I’m talking about the culture that was there before I came into the locker room — and it was a losers’ mentality.”

During Newton’s first season, the Panthers managed to improve their record to 6-10. By his fifth year, he earned the NFL MVP title and led the team to the Super Bowl.

Newton remarked, “Is it me saying that, ‘Oh when I came, I made everything [better]?’ No. I never said that. What I stated was if you’re drafted No. 1, you’re usually going to a struggling team. That’s a fact. And that’s the point I was trying to convey to Travis Hunter. You see what I’m saying? People are so shocked, thinking, ‘Oh, Cam said this.’ But it’s the truth.”

While his general assertion about the first overall pick typically joining the worst-performing team is indeed accurate, some believe he may have crossed a line with his comments. Instead of recognizing this, he chose to stand by his statements.

It remains to be seen how his former teammates will react to his latest remarks.