Any doubts about the health and condition of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton are not shared around the Panthers facility. On Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera informed media that the former MVP signal-caller will be a “full go” on Sunday when the Panthers host the defending NFC champions, the Los Angeles Rams.
Newton echoed Rivera’s sentiments, telling media that he feels like a rookie again going into year nine. Part of the reason why is that Newton has been on a vegan diet for all of 2019.
“I’m vegan (whistles). Vegan strong. You know what I’m saying? That helps a lot. Yeah (nods).”
“I’ve been vegan all year and I don’t think I’m going back. I feel good. I recover well and that’s pretty much what it’s all about. Not putting certain things in your body that is going to combat your body trying to recover. Obviously the human body cures itself but you want to put things in your body that help expedite that whole process. You don’t want to put foods into your body that are going to create inflammation. You want to do those things. As I get older, you know I think we have had a lot of great blueprints over the years; still kind of have a blueprint in guys who take care of their bodies and it’s no secret that it’s because of the diet.”
At least Newton will have some company on his vegan journey. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, in his first season with the Panthers, also converted to a vegan lifestyle earlier in the year. McCoy shared back in June that in addition to being on a new team for the first time in his nine year NFL career, he will also e practicing a new diet; both journeys will be captured in a documentary that McCoy has been working on.
Newton has played sparingly during the preseason so all eyes will be on that throwing shoulder when the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams visit Bank of America Stadium on Sunday to kick off the regular season.
