Cam Newton is one of the more controversial quarterbacks in the NFL, getting under the skin of many for his boisterous antics during the Carolina Panthers epic 2015 playoff run.
In a touching video produced by The Players’ Tribune, Newton reads a letter to his son, Chosen, set to home video clips and pictures of the family.
Cam definitely lets the walls down a little bit, admitting to personal failings as a father, while offering up some sage advice to the youngster.
There’s nothing quite like becoming a parent, and reflecting on that reality never really stops – no matter how long you’ve been a parent. Cam’s son is now one, and he is obviously feeling a responsibility as a father to make sure to prepare his son for the life ahead — and be there for him.
“I pray I am the most influential person in your life,” Newton says in the video, showing his true desire to be heavily involved in his son’s life. An admirable goal, especially given how many children grow up without their father in the picture.
It’s a pretty awesome short video – and that’s coming from a Redskins fan, whose loss to Newton’s Carolina Panthers pretty much ended our season (ok fine – there were a LOT of things that ended our season, but I’ll leave that to the sports pages).
Watch:
Here’s the text of the touching letter:
Dear Chosen,
I look at you and I am amazed about God’s creation.
Don’t be like me, son, be better than me. And create your own inspiration.
So you won’t expect something for nothing, Just hard work and determination.
I wrote this, thinking to myself, ‘Like, dang, I really have a son now.’ And I guess it’s true what they say.
Time flies because chose is almost one
Your mom is the best thing to happen to me
Yet I have failed in some regards. But I still love her unconditionally.
Don’t be like me son, be better than me.
You don’t have to be an athlete to be accepted by me. You can be whatever you want to be.
But whatever you decide, I challenge you to be the best. I may not be able to tell you when, where and how, but there will be a test. And that test comes in many forms, sizes and shapes, too.
It’s my job as your father to prepare you as much as I can, so you will know exactly what to do.
When you sleep, I look in amazement as you breathe. But it hurts my heart to look back at your face in disappointment when I leave.
You’re everything I could have ever asked for. When I’m not with you it hurts me to my core.
At times, son, I am not proud of the man that I am. Some of my decisions are far from perfect. But do know, when it comes to you and this family, I will always do what I can. I had to sacrifice some things, and I made it all worth it.
Let no one tell you you’re not strong, that you’re not a king. My main responsibility is to see your heart gleam.
Make sure you protect the queens of you heart — that’s your mom and your sister — and remember that real men aren’t afraid of the dark.
So, son, be brave, be strong, be bold. And always remember the things I’ve told, King Cho.
I pray for your blessings and I pray for your peace. I pray I am the most influential person in your life until the day I am deceased.
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