CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers won’t begin their offseason workouts on Monday without the reigning NFL MVP.
Coach Ron Rivera said on Thursday that he expects quarterback Cam Newton to attend most if not all of OTAs, which begin a week later for Carolina than most of the league.
Rivera asked for the extra week after the Panthers extended their season by five weeks with their Super Bowl run.
“He was here yesterday hanging out with the guys," Rivera said. “Luke [Kuechly] said the energy level just went up a couple of octaves just having him back."
Newton spent most of his time after the 24-10 loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50 in the Los Angeles area filming his new Nickelodeon kids reality show that will debut in June.
The final episodes of the show are being filmed in the Charlotte area now, which allows Newton to participate in OTAs.
Newton wanted to make sure it was understood his first priority was the team.
“It’s good to see him," Rivera said. “He looks good. You get that sense he’s focusing in on the upcoming season."