Bill Belichick is 'cool' and would be fun to have a drink with, according to Cam Newton

• Cam Newton said he was surprised to learn how "cool" Bill Belichick is.
• Newton said Belichick is someone he would have fun having a drink with.
• Newton told reporters after Week 17 that he was unsure of his future with the Patriots, but said he had had a good time in New England.

Though Cam Newton's 2020 season with the New England Patriots didn't go as hoped, it sounds as if things were fine between him and Bill Belichick behind the scenes.

Speaking to WEEI's Greg Hill on Monday, Newton said the thing that surprised him most about Belichick is how "cool" Belichick was.

"I really thought it was like, 'Oh my goodness, he's going to be that sour principal that you never want to see in the hallways,'" Newton said. "He's so cool, man."

Newton went on to say that he would gladly share a drink with Belichick - though he hasn't yet - and listen to Belichick's stories.

"He seems like that guy you just want to have a drink with. Just sit down and like, 'Hey man, can I kick it?' You know what I am saying. 'Let's chat.' I bet he would be so dope at a bar. I mean, he has stories out the wazoo. I have never seen him on those instances, just FYI.

"Every time we talk, every time we just have an encounter it's much appreciated because you know how much football is just flowing in his head."

Newton added that he was impressed with the way Belichick would block the outside noise and motivate his team to focus on their fundamentals.

Prior to the season, Newton admitted he was skeptical of his fit with Belichick. In a video interview with Odell Beckham Jr. and Todd Gurley, Newton recalled questioning whether his style would work with Belichick's when his agent told him of the Patriots' interest.

While the quarterback and coach's relationship may have been fine off the field, the on-field product was not pretty in the second half of the season. After a strong start to the season, Newton finished 2020 with just 2,657 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His 82.9 passer rating was the second lowest of his career in any season in which he started over 14 games. Newton did add 592 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season, and the Patriots were also without top receiver Julian Edelman for much of the year.

Newton, who will hit free agency this offseason, was asked on Sunday whether he will stay with the Patriots.

"I can't really speak on it right now. But just my whole time here in New England has been a blessing. I've learned so much about myself, about great teammates, unbelievable coaching."

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