Cam Newton wants to be a Captain

May 30, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton throws a pass during the practice held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton wants to put that “C” on the front of his jersey. The one that means “Captain” and leader, and go to guy. No word though on whether he’ll stop emulating Superman and start emulating Captain America.

“I recognize – and everyone knows around the league – when you’re a team captain that’s not just a patch on the jersey.  You’re holding yourself to a higher standard with being accountable,” Newton said, via the Charlotte Observer.  “I’m going about it each and every day and trying to make that happen.”

Tackle Jordan Gross and wide receiver Steve Smith have worn the “C” on their jerseys in recent seasons.

“You’ve got to look at the team as a whole. I just think there’s guys who have been with the organization a lot longer that have been in that role for a long time,” veteran center Ryan Kalil said. “So it’s hard. There’s only two of them. I would say there’s a couple other guys that would be in that mix.

“But it’ll be a while before it transitions to somebody else.”

While it is an indictment on Cam Newton, it isn’t necessarily an endorsement. Cam Newton’s on-file demeanor has drawn the ire of fans, media and teammates during his short 2 year career. Coach Ron Rivera even nicknamed Cam Newton “Mr. Mopeyhead” in his rookie season.

“I never came in saying I’m going to be a captain,” Gross said Thursday. “You look who it’s been and it’s usually… like Pep (Julius Peppers) was a captain and he’s not a vocal guy. But he’s somebody that I loved looking at during games because it made me feel better.”

“It’s not always the loudest guy that’s doing the most you can see from the stands,” Gross said. “Just a consistent person that guys rely on.”