The Carolina Panthers introduced their new QB Cam Newton to the press today as he accepted his jersey from Ron Rivera sporting a mighty nice looking blue tie (even if the shade was just off).

In what bodes to be the most awkward jersey number conversation ever will take place as Newton said it's his aim to keep the #2, the number he wore at Auburn. What makes this awkward however, is that he'll have to ask Jimmy Clausen for the number. However, for money conscious fans this could be a blessing in disguise and purchased Jimmy Clausen jerseys could now be re-purposed with a new name!

Bill Voth described Newton as 'savvy' when asked if he would be ready to start week one, as the former Auburn QB offered effusive praise to Panthers' owner Jerry Richardson. One thing is clear, while Newton may give us a fair share of malaprops (calling being the #1 pick a 'predicament' last night), he does have an extremely charismatic nature. 

More after the jump

Newton ackowledged that he and Clausen exchanged text messages last night, and that Clausen wished him luck, and said that "says a lot" about Clausen's character. Perhaps Clausen is learning the ropes and taking the steps needed to be more mature to win a locker room.

Cam reassured fans that he can adapt to an NFL offense, saying that "You can't fault [him]" for the offense Auburn ran last year. Then, in what I'm sure will be a potent quotable he said that being great: 

"It's not going to be something instant like instant grits...it will probably be more like collard greens."

Honestly, it's easy to poke fun... but I can't help but like it... so sue me. So ended the introduction, and now the work can begin.