On Wednesday, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton announced the birth of his firstborn son.
Newton and his longtime girlfriend had the baby over the weekend in Atlanta.
Newton announced the news on his official Twitter account after a week filled with rumors on the birth.
“My longtime girlfriend and I were extremely blessed to have a son last week,” Newton wrote. “Our family is excited and thank you all for the well wishes!
“I’ve been quiet about this because I didn’t want to create a distraction for my team and appreciate the privacy in this joyous time.”
Newton left practice on Christmas Eve with five plays remaining to hustle to Atlanta and be with his girlfriend for the birth. He rejoined the team on Saturday in Charlotte to go back to Atlanta.
After scoring a first-quarter touchdown in last week’s loss to the Falcons, Newton cradled the ball like rocking a baby to sleep. He was asked about the significance of it after the game but said there was none and that he would “leave that at that.”
Newton is scheduled to address the media Thursday afternoon after the Panthers’ practice in the final week of the regular season.
