Panthers quarterback Cam Newton says the intensity of Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith’s will benefit the team’s younger players. Newton spent three years with Smith before the Panthers released him.
“We all take fun and understand who Steve Smith was, and what he brought to this community, to this organization,” Newton said during a Tuesday press conference, via the Panther’s website. “It was a hard-nosed mentality. He has taught a lot of players, up under him, including myself, the attitude don’t take nothing for granted.”
“We still do talk. I’m wishing him much success. Hopefully when we do play the Baltimore Ravens, it will be guts and whatever he said everywhere, on both sides.”
Newton admitted he was surprised the Panthers let Smith go.
“Who wouldn’t be surprised?” Smith said. “But at the end of the day, you have to deal with what you have to deal with.
“Did it catch me by surprise?”
