Cam Newton Reads Heartfelt Poem for His 1-Year-Old Son Chosen

Cam Newton reflects on his life and shares some words of his wisdom for his son, Chosen.

On Dec. 30, 2015, Cam Newtonshared the news of the birth of his son, Chosen, with his longtime girlfriend Kia Proctor. Newton admits that he waited one week before making the official announcement because he "didn't want to create a distraction for my team." Once again, the Carolina Panthers star quarterback waited until the latter part of the regular season to present the poem he penned for Chosen, who recently celebrated his first birthday. 

Cam repeatedly stresses that Chosen shouldn't strive to be like him, but rather, turn out better than him. In addition to reflecting on his son's first year in the world, Newton also looks in the mirror, and takes a long, hard look at own faults. "At times, son, I am not proud of the man that I am," he wrote. "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." 

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.

Newton also confesses that he has "failed in some regards" with Proctor. "Your mom is the best thing to happen to me, yet I have failed in some regards," he wrote. "But I still love her unconditionally." Like every parent, Cam is hoping for the best for his son. At the same time, he wants Chosen to know that he will be there for him at every step of the way.   

To read the poem in full at The Players' Tribune, click here

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