SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — When Cam Newton discovered the Carolina Panthers planned to make a run at signing Michael Oher last offseason, he texted the free agent offensive tackle: "I need you. I don't want you. I NEED you."
Newton had sent text messages before to potential free agent prospects — but this time he was desperate.
The Panthers weren't planning to re-sign struggling left tackle Byron Bell, and Newton needed someone to protect his blindside. He thought Oher, the main character in the popular movie by that name, would be a perfect fit.
The fifth-year quarterback turned out to be right.