The Carolina Panthers appear to be on the cusp of ushering in some significant changes once the 2019 NFL season is over. Regardless, quarterback Cam Newton has made it clear where he stands.

Newton recently held his sixth annual “Santa Cam’s Surprise Sleigh” event where one fan pleaded with him to stay. According to Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer, he made it clear that the only way he leaves is if Carolina decides to trade him:

“Don’t leave us, man. Don’t leave us,” one Panthers fan requested. Newton’s response? “I won’t. They got to ship me off for me to leave … In order for me to leave, they got to get rid of me. It’s not up to me.”

It is safe to say that fans appreciate the reassurance from Newton. Of course, it remains to be seen if they will get the same from the Panthers’ front office.

The 2019 campaign was essentially a lost one for Newton after only playing two games until being sidelined with a Linsfranc fracture. This is now the second season in his career that has been cut short due to injury. That has fueled plenty of speculation regarding whether or not he has already played his final game in a Panthers uniform.

It is easy to see why fans are still so appreciative of everything Newton has done both on and off the field. They were able to see life without him in the lineup and while the Panthers started off well with Kyle Allen as the starter, things took a turn rather rapidly.

Regardless, the Panthers’ brass will have a major decision to make in the offseason when it comes to Newton’s future with the organization.