Newton: 'Disrespectful' broom gift from Saints' Jordan is motivation

The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers faced off three times last season, with the former coming out on top in every matchup, including in the NFC wild-card round.

The NFC South rivals have yet to play this season, but Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan apparently sent a gift to Cam Newton after last season to make sure he didn't forget who runs the division.

"Yeah, it was wine. And they sent a broom too," Newton said ahead of a crucial Monday Night Football game versus the Saints, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "I ain't take the pack off, so I'm going to return to the sender if everything gets taken care of the way we know we can do it. And that's all in good fun."

Newton called the broom, which he says has sat in his locker ever since, "disrespectful," but added that he and Jordan are off-field friends.

New Orleans has already clinched the NFC South, but still needs to secure home-field advantage. Carolina, meanwhile, has lost five straight and likely requires at least one win against the Drew Brees-led outfit to stay in contention for the final NFC wild-card spot.