When Ran met Cam

As anyone who knows me personally certainly knows by now, I met Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on Friday, April 13. I wanted to write about this experience while it is still freshly in my mind so I can remember all the details as time goes by while sharing it on my blog for those that are interested.

First, let me say that my love for the Panthers knows no bounds. Even in the final Jake years, I stayed faithful. I've endured taunts for the flag that's up at my desk at work or the Panther on the back of my car. It takes a lot of strength to be a Panthers fan.

So, naturally, I was excited the Panthers grabbed Number 1 draft pick Cam Newton in an attempt to rebuild the team's offense. I was lucky enough to attend Cam's first NFL game last August and I even blogged about that experience. A few minutes in, Clausen was already being booed for his poor performance and the crowd started chanting, "Cam, Cam, Cam!" It was pretty awesome to be there as he took the QB position as a player in the NFL for the first time. And I saw some amazing things. And even though the season didn't go as well as all faithful Panthers fans hoped, there were some amazing moments. We might not have earned a lot of Ws, but the games were fun to watch again.

Of course, I was disappointed with the losses, but what really struck me about Cam Newton is that he seemed disappointed too. Of course, all football players want to win, but most of them lose a game, shake their heads, then smile for the cameras. Not Cam. Cam Newton is a man that is not used to losing. Cam got mad. Cam got frustrated. He was the first quarterback who seemed as frustrated as I was. That, combined with his repeatedly outstanding performances, earned my respect.

So, on Friday, my co-worker and friend Micah and I were sitting on the patio at the Salsa's restaurant in Arsley, having some Mexican food and talking about football. "Did you hear that Cam is a finalist to be on the cover of the new Madden?" Micah asked. I nodded. "You know about the Madden curse, right?" she asked.

Of course, I do. But I don't really believe in curses either. Apparently, Cam doesn't either. Anyway, just minutes after our football discussion, we saw two waitresses come running out of the restaurant with a cell phone, heading towards the parking deck at top speed. "What the hell?" Micah asked.

"Probably a customer left their cell phone and they are trying to catch up with him," I said, unfazed.

Micah, though, ever observant, followed the ladies with her eyes. She said the first thing she noticed were two INCREDIBLY large men. As they turned around to address the waitresses, Micah gasped. "OH MY GOD, RANDI. THAT'S CAM NEWTON!"

I did not even turn around to verify. I just grabbed my phone out of my purse, yelled at Micah to grab a pen and paper as I had none and took off running. We left our purses, our food, everything at our seats and started running across cobblestone. My purple heels were making my trek across the cobblestone difficult so I shouted out to flat-wearing Micah ahead of me, "Grab him! It's up to you!"

Later, Micah would describe herself as shouting at Cam like she "went to high school with him." As she got into the parking deck, she was temporarily out of my sight, but I could hear her yelling, "Cam! Cam! Cam!"

As I came around the corner, trying to catch my breath, I realized the other man with Cam was Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross, who had an amused look on his face. I am sure that hanging out with Cam is always quite an experience.

"Hi, there," Micah said, breathless. "I am sorry to bother you. Would you guys take a picture with us?"

"Absolutely not," said Cam.

Micah and I looked at each other, not sure of what to do. "Oh, OK," we both said nervously. "Thanks anyway."

Cam laughed. "Girls, I am just kidding. Get over here!"

After an awkward moment of finding a stranger's car for Cam to place his leftovers, we took a couple of photos. Of course, the quality wasn't great in a dark parking deck with a camera phone operated by two shaking girls, but having the opportunity to meet him and have my photo taken was a priceless experience.

Reliving the moment over and over afterwards, I asked Micah what she would have done if I had in fact fallen on the cobblestone as I feared. "No offense, Ran, but I would've grabbed your phone and kept going."

I nodded agreeably. "Good answer."