From the panorama of the Pacific outside his hotel window to watching NFC teammates Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees throw the football, quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers can't help but be inspired by all the perfect views in paradise.
"This is unbelievable, man. This is so gratifying and just to have the opportunity to be here is a blessing," Newton said.
Newton and fellow rookie quarterback Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals were chosen to replace Super Bowl quarterbacks Eli Manning and Tom Brady for Sunday's Pro Bowl. That makes this Pro Bowl the first one in history that will feature two rookie quarterbacks.
Newton, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 draft, said he's just soaking up the experience and enjoying being with his new teammates.
"I'm a fan of all these guys — Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Larry Fitzgerald — the list goes on with all the All-Pro guys that are here and I get to share the field with," he said.
Newton is backing up Brees and Rodgers, and doesn't mind starting on the bench.
"I idolized them throughout the year, watched so much film on them how they play the game from the check downs, to the way they throw, to everything," Newton said. "Lo and behold, we're on the same roster.
"So I'm watching and learning. What better way to learn than firsthand? I really don't mind, especially to these two MVP candidates. I'll be second string to that, man."
Newton's season wasn't too shabby, either. He's the first quarterback ever to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 500 yards.
He completed 310 of 517 passes for 4,051 yards, the most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He also passed for 21 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. His 14 rushing touchdowns are the most ever by an NFL quarterback in a season.
The Panthers missed the playoffs after finishing 6-10, but Newton promises he has a lot more to offer as his game matures.
"I've had an unbelievable and blessed year, but at the same time, I feel the best is yet to come for Cam Newton," he said. "I'm going to continue to work hard and push myself."
And to Newton, the future is bright for Carolina.
"The Carolina Panthers, coach (Ron) Rivera, (general manager) Marty Hurney and (owner) Jerry Richardson, they have everybody's interest at heart and they're going to do what's the best for this team," Newton said. "That's something I do know and I can attest to. This team, this organization is going in the right direction to be an elite playoff team and contender year in and year out."
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