Former Patriots Quarterback Cam Newton Changes Tune On ‘Fool’s Gold’ Label

Cam Newton changed his mind about the New England Patriots.

The former Patriots quarterback caused a stir by calling New England’s hot streak “fool’s gold” on ESPN last month. Newton framed the Patriots as a “one-and-one” playoff team because he didn’t trust Drake Maye against Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, who both may miss the postseason.

Newton altered his stance on Monday’s “First Take” after the Patriots clinched a playoff berth with a 28-24 win over Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens. The former MVP quarterback was well aware that viewers would bring up his past criticism.

“I’m more higher on the New England Patriots,” Newton said. “I can hear the comments now. ‘Well, keep that same energy about the fool’s gold. Wow, this about Drake Maye.’ Well, we needed to see.”

Newton apparently liked what he saw. He listed a litany of New England playmakers when touting a deep offense to explain why he’s now sold on Mike Vrabel’s squad.

“They’re taking turns better than any teams making plays in football,” Newton declared. “Yes, Drake Maye is the orchestrator. But when you give guys opportunities … these things are something that starts to give even me, a known hater to some people’s thought process. Like, yo, I’m believing in the New England Patriots.

“And not for a reason for one specific person. It’s a collective. These guys have made it in their minds to say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna take turns making plays, not mistakes.'”

Perhaps Newton will have more confidence in New England’s ability to make a deep playoff run if the Patriots close the regular season with wins over the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, he recycled his “fool’s gold” label to question the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.