Patriots Name Cam Newton as Starting QB and Captain

Cam Newton wasn’t just named the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback on Thursday. He also has been elected a team captain, filling the void created by 18-time captain Tom Brady.

Coach Bill Belichick told players that Newton would officially be the team’s starter in a meeting Thursday, a source confirmed to ESPN. The Boston Globe first reported the news.

That came after Newton was voted one of three offensive captains, as part of a players vote. It is extremely rare for the Patriots to elect a player in his first year with a team as a team captain.

The other offensive captains are running back James White and center David Andrews.