Carolina Panther’s Quarterback Cam Newton: On Candy, A Well Tailored Suit and Mom’s Banana Pudding

Bet you never thought we’d have a QB on The New Potato (that’s the abbreviation for quarterback right?). Well if you thought that then you were wrong, because today is all about the Carolina Panthers quarterback (and the new face of Guy Laroche’s Drakkar Essence cologne) Cam Newton. Newton has quite the sweet tooth; turns out he’s a candy fanatic whose Mom makes the best banana pudding around – and did we mention his ideal food day ends with Lucky Charms? To boot, he’s got a passion for greek mythology…intrigued yet? Football fans, you’ve been new potato-ified…

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?

A tropical smoothie and a veggie omelet for breakfast, a Caesar salad with blackened shrimp for lunch, and some good fish, calamari, and sweet potato casserole for dinner. Lucky Charms for dessert.

What’s your typical workout regime?

I start with film (exercise the mind!) then cardio, usually some resistance training, some specific lifting based on the day, a good throwing session, and more film.

Words to play by..

All heart. All the time.

Most common snack amongst football players..

Candy. All kinds. Dentists probably make a killing off of football players.

What’s a recipe your Mom used to make that you always loved?

Banana pudding, without question! I still haven’t had anything better.

What’s always on the field with you no matter what?

Winterfresh gum is a staple. I chew multiple pieces throughout the game too!

What’s your diet like forty-eight hours before a game? What foods do you eat and why?

It’s the same as the rest of the week: Fish, veggies, a starch, salads, fruit, and smoothies. Maybe some cereal here and there.

What are the best and worst foods for athletes?

Well, the linemen can eat pretty much anything they want – and I go through my snacking phases. But overall, I’d say too many sweets are bad for anybody, and high protein fish and veggies are great for the body and mind.

Outside the field, how would you describe your personal style?

Colorful, bold, and fun but classy. I like to mix it up .

One item every man should own…

A well-tailored suit. You have to have a sharp, go-to suit that fits well and is good for multiple occasions.

One thing nobody knows about you…

I’m super interested in Greek Mythology.

What’s your idea of the perfect first date?

Good food, good conversation, a relaxed setting, and some music. That sounds good to me.

What are your favorite cities for food? What restaurants do you go to in each?

New York City has so many great restaurants. I recently went to Tao Downtown and it was fantastic. And my hometown of Atlanta seems to always have a new restaurant popping up…Atlanta Fish Market is a favorite of mine.

What are your pre and post game routines?

A hair cut the night before a game, a prayer before the first snap, and dinner with my family after every game.

Most inspiring advice you’ve ever received, and how you’re practicing it now…

I always try to keep “To whom much is given, much is required” in practice in my life. I don’t take my blessings for granted for one second. It’s important for me to consistently challenge myself to get better in all aspects of life.

*Cam Newton, photographed in New York, NY by Danielle Kosann.