Cam Newton’s message to Patriots fans: ‘I hope you’re ready’

The New England Patriots have had a busy Sunday. Not only did the NFL drop its penalties against the organization as part of the videotaping controversy surrounding filming the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline, the team also added one of the biggest starts in pro football via free agency: the Patriots and long-time Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton agreed to a one-year free agency contract.

Newton himself had been on the open market for three months before the Patriots scooped him up, and he sounds to be happy about finally having found a new home:

The first overall draft pick in 2011, Newton has been voted to three Pro Bowls and was named the league’s most valuable player in 2015. The 31-year-old has struggled with injury over the last few years, however, and teams were cautious when it came to signing him following his release from the Panthers in late March. Now, the 31-year-old will have a chance to compete for a starting gig in New England against Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer.