The Facts: Newton was the first big-name NFL player to test positive for COVID-19 during the 2020 season, which forced the Patriots QB to miss a game. The former NFL MVP said the virus short-circuited his season. Speaking on the "I Am Athlete" podcast with Brandon Marshall, Newton said when he returned after the positive test, he struggled to pick up where he'd left off. "I was one of the first football players to catch it, and it happened so fast," said Newton of COVID-19, via the Boston Globe. "When I came back, that's where the lack of an offseason and the lack of time in the system really showed itself. I was behind and I was thinking too much. The offense kept going, and I was stagnant for two weeks."

Diehards Line:Newton started off the season averaging 238 passing yards per game, with two touchdowns passes, two interceptions and four rushing scores as the Pats went 2-1 in the first three games of the season before the QB's positive COVID-19 test. The opening string included 397 yards passing in a loss at Seattle. From there, Newton averaged just 161.9 passing yards in his final 12 starts of the season with six TDs and eight INTs as the Pats finished 7-9 and out of the postseason. Despite his passing struggles, Newton can still be a dual-threat. He broke the Patriots record for QB rushing yards, finishing with 592 yards and 12 rushing scores. Once again a free agent, Newton will search for a landing spot where he can compete for a starting gig. The signal-caller noted that he has no plans to retire with more left in the tank. "I can't go out like that. I hear all of that talk. My pride won't allow me to do it. There aren't 32 guys better than me," he said. ... We'll be watching to see which of the 32 teams agree with him on that in coming days.