Cam Newton: ‘I’m an African American quarterback that may scare a lot of people’

Cam Newton rubs some people the wrong way.

Not everyone, of course. But there are definitely some who don’t like how he dances to celebrate positive plays, hands out footballs to children in the stands after touchdowns or any other way he expresses his individuality as the star quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

Asked why this might be the case, Newton addressed the issue with reporters on Wednesday.

“I’m an African American quarterback that may scare a lot of people because they haven’t seen nothing that they can compare me to,” Newton said.

This season, Newton became the first quarterback in NFL history to have 35 touchdown passes and 10 touchdown runs. And in just five years in the league, Newton has already tied Steve Young atop the all-time list for quarterbacks with 43 rushing touchdowns.

“People should be scared of a quarterback with his skill set more than anything else,’’ Panthers Coach Ron Rivera said. “That’s who he is. He’s a tremendously gifted athlete, a terrific quarterback, a smart football player ... the list goes on and on.

“That’s what they should be concerned about more than anything else .... I don’t think he wants to be known as an African American quarterback. I think he wants to be known as a quarterback, and a great one at that.’’

Newton said he’s found a good way to deal with any criticism that comes his way.

“Find any way -- any way -- to win a football game,’’ Newton said. “Because when you win, that’s going to give them something else to talk about.’’