CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton spoke to reporters Thursday at Bank of America Stadium for the first time since getting into a serious crash near uptown Charlotte two days earlier.
"I am lucky to come out of there alive," Newton said. "Somebody is supposed to be dead."
Cam Newton speaks about wreck for first time
Newton described the accident in detail and said he doesn't remember if he rolled or flipped in his truck on South Church Street.
Newton described how he felt in the moments after the crash.
IMAGES: Scene of crash involving Cam Newton
"I was in such a shock. I could not stop smiling. I'm on someone's fantasy team, and it's the man's upstairs," Newton said.
Newton said he doesn't want this to be a distraction for Sunday's game.
"I am backing D.A. (Derek Anderson) 100 percent," Newton said.
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Newton said he doesn't care when he comes back; he is just lucky to be alive.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera spoke before Newton and said the quarterback attended meetings and received treatment at the stadium Thursday.
Rivera urged fans to bring a lot of energy Sunday and the rest of the season. Rivera said the team appreciates fans coming out.
COMPLETE COVERAGE:
- ORGINAL STORY: Panthers' Newton suffers back fractures in crash
- Panthers GM 'thankful' Newton was wearing seatbelt
- Cam Newton named NFL Offensive Player of the Week
- Surgeon: Newton not likely able to play Sunday
- See all videos releated to crash involving Cam Newton
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