Get to Know Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton

He meditates, doesn’t eat meat, and has never had a sip of alcohol. Not what you’d expect from a 6’5″, 245-pound football player, but Cam Newton, 25, isn’t a typical jock. A preacher’s son from Georgia, the Carolina Panther is one of the youngest QBs in the NFL. The new face (and body) of Drakkar Essence talks about being football’s nice guy.

GLAMOUR: Did you always have your heart set on football?

CAM NEWTON: Definitely. People tell you not to put all your eggs in one basket, but if a person has a fallback plan, failing is an option. And it never was for me.

GLAMOUR: As first pick in the 2011 draft, how’d you celebrate?

CN: I told myself I’d take my first sip of alcohol if I ever got drafted. My friends brought over the biggest bottle they could find, but I said, “Cam, if you’ve gotten this far without drinking, just imagine how much farther you can go if you continue not drinking.” So I decided I’ll take my first sip when I get married.

GLAMOUR: That’s impressive. So do you have any vices?

CN: I’m a snack-food junkie. Oh my goodness, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos!

GLAMOUR: How do you spend downtime between games?

CN: I read a lot and play video games. When the newest game comes out, I have to run out and buy it. I’m 25, but I still have that childish side.

GLAMOUR: Any pregame rituals?

CN: I meditate and listen to music. My iPod has 8,000 songs on it. I play everything from Lil Wayne to some doggone Ricky Martin. And, of course, gospel, especially on Sunday. There is a song for every feeling in this world, and I’m all for whatever works.

GLAMOUR: OK, you knew this was coming—you’re the face of a cologne now. Has scent always been important to you?

CN: Absolutely. Growing up, I could smell my dad before I even saw him enter the house. If I walk past someone, even if I don’t say two words, I want them to know what I’m about. Drakkar Essence is my go-to.

GLAMOUR: You’re in your fourth season with the Panthers. Does it still feel like a dream?

CN: I can’t put into words how I feel when I wake up and realize my picture is on the side of a stadium. It’s ridiculous!