Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of an NFL playoff game in Charlotte, N.C., on Jan. 3, 2015.

(AP Photo)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is planning to rebound after an injury-filled 2014 season. The former Auburn star dealt with ankle surgery, a hairline rib fracture and a back injury suffered in a traffic accident last season. Consequently, he missed two games and posted the lowest passing and rushing stats of his four NFL seasons.

Despite that, Carolina became the first team to win consecutive NFC South titles, and Newton picked up his first postseason victory as an NFL quarterback.

Feeling much better this offseason, Newton sees himself with a unique opportunity as a 6-foot-6, 260-pound quarterback. Detractors point to what Newton hasn't accomplished, given his physical talent and pedigree as a former No. 1 draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner.

During a one-on-one interview with Morgan Fogarty of WCCB-TV in Charlotte earlier this week, Newton was asked: "You have been called the NFL's greatest talent as well as the NFL's greatest unknown. Do you agree with that?"

Newton answered: "Absolutely not. And I say this with the most humility, but I don't think nobody has ever been who I'm trying to be. Nobody has the size, nobody has the speed, nobody has the arm strength, nobody had the intangibles that I've had. I'm not saying that to say I'm a one-on-one type of person that this league will never see another. No, I'm not saying that. Hear me out. I'm just saying that so much of my talents have not been seen in one person."

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Fogarty and Newton also talked about leadership, and Newton said he's still striving to "become that leader that I'm supposed to be" for the Panthers, as well as his fashion sense and his relationship with Carolina owner Jerry Richardson.

"Mr. Richardson took a chance on me when others didn't believe in me at the time," Newton said. "With him being the owner and him having the last say, he did take a chance on me, and I'm trying to give him everything and more on my end of the bargain."