Ex-West Virginia QB Will Grier's education begins with Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rookie quarterback Will Grier got in his first work with the Carolina Panthers this weekend, and Cam Newton continued to be limited — even on the kickball field.

Grier, the team’s rookie third-round draft pick out of West Virginia, threw for the first time with his new NFL team as the Panthers opened rookie minicamp on a practice field outside of Bank of America stadium.

Newton, who is coming off shoulder surgery, spent his day inside the stadium hosting his fifth annual “Kicking it with Cam” celebrity kickball tournament to benefit youth in the areas of education, diversity and inclusion, and wellness. In the past, Newton has participated in the event, but he did not Friday.

“It’s all right. It’s getting there,” Newton said about his surgically repaired right shoulder.

Newton underwent an arthroscopic procedure Jan. 24 but has not thrown a football yet. When asked if he knows when he will be cleared to throw, Newton shook his head no.

When Newton does return, he said he won’t change how he approaches the game, which means more running for the former No. 1 overall pick.

“I’m not changing. I’m too old to change,” Newton said on the eve of his 30th birthday. “But I can get better. That is one thing I can do. At this point, the things that make me (who I am) are instilled and cemented in. It’s just up to me to take my game to the next level and get better.”

Instead of playing his normal role as a kickball pitcher, Newton mingled with some of the celebrities on hand, including boxer Evander Holyfield — whose son, running back Elijah Holyfield, recently signed as an undrafted free agent — former NFL player Terrell Owens and several current Panthers teammates, including Christian McCaffrey and Kawann Short. Newton also did some dancing.

Grier was hoping to attend the kickball event, too, but was a little busy learning his new job. The Davidson, N.C., native was with Carolina’s other rookies going through two short practices and spending most of the day in the classroom with coaches learning plays.

He said his primary goal this weekend was to show coaches he’s willing to work hard and that he’s coachable.

“I think that is important,” Grier said. “Just fitting into the system and doing whatever it takes to help the Panthers win.”

Newton said he is looking forward to helping Grier develop.

The Panthers selected Grier with the 100th overall pick two weeks ago with the idea he could come in and back up Newton, and perhaps develop into a starting quarterback down the road.

“I have to be ready to play,” said Grier, who grew up as a fan of the Panthers. “So that is my kind of goal and my role right now. All of the twos (backups) need to act like ones (starters), and that just means you have to be ready to play when your number is called.”

When Grier took the practice field Friday, he was in a familiar place. Several years ago, he led Davidson Day High School to a championship in a seven-on-seven football tournament sponsored by the Cam Newton Foundation.

He got to meet Newton then.

Now, as surreal as Grier said it feels, he’s in the same quarterback room with the 2015 NFL MVP.

“I don’t remember if we took pictures,” Grier said recalling the seven-on-seven tournament. “But I remember Cam telling us to keep the energy up.”