Newton ready to prove doubters wrong: 'I wake up mad'

Cam Newton is fired up about the chance to remind the NFL world of his talents.

The New England Patriots quarterback admitted Friday he's driven to prove himself after his messy exit from the Carolina Panthers following nine seasons.

"I wake up mad ... I'm a self-motivator," Newton said, according to Albert Breer of MMQB.

The Panthers shockingly released the 2015 NFL MVP in early April with one year remaining on his contract, and Newton has since said he believes the club gave up on him prematurely.

Most of the rest of the NFL appeared to share Carolina's concern that Newton - who struggled with injuries the last two seasons - is no longer the same player, as the quarterback's only offer was from New England.

While Newton lacked options and has only spent a short time in the Patriots' building, he praised the team's approach as "invigorating" and a "breath of fresh air," per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick won't hand Newton the starting job, saying recently that he'll make it a competition between the former Panthers standout, Jarrett Stidham, and Brian Hoyer. However, Newton is widely expected to be under center in Week 1.

While the star signal-caller will have to prove his health on the field, he's confident his injury woes are behind him.

"At this particular time, I'm full go," said Newton.