Cam Newton speaks after Covid-19 diagnosis; Patriots-Chiefs game rescheduled for Monday night

Doha Madani
Updated ·2 min read

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton made a public statement Sunday about his coronavirus diagnosis as the NFL announced rescheduled games because of new positive test results.

Newton posted a photo of himself to Instagram on Sunday with a mask around his chin and a caption in a special character font. Newton, 31, a former NFL MVP who played nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, said he would take time to reflect on all the "amazing" things he should be grateful for.

"I never will question God's reasoning, just will always respond with 'YES LORD!!'" Newton wrote. "I appreciate all the love, support, and WELL WISHES!!"

The NFL announced Saturday that Newton had tested positive for the coronavirus, as well as Kansas City Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu. The Patriots said in a statement that several players, coaches and staff members had point-of-care tests, which came back negative.

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"We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs," the statement said.

The NFL tweeted Sunday that additional tests of players and staff members remained negative and that both teams are engaging in "post-COVID exposure protocols," as well as contract tracing.

The league rescheduled the Chiefs-Patriots game, which was supposed to be played Sunday, for Monday at 7:05 p.m. ET. The previously scheduled "Monday Night Football" game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers was pushed back to 8 p.m. to accommodate the rescheduled game, resulting in a Monday night double-header for football fans.

It is the second setback for the NFL in just over a week. A game scheduled last Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans in Nashville was postponed for later in the season after at least three players and five staff members with the Titans tested positive.