Cam Newton has insisted that he can be a leader and team captain with the Carolina Panthers.

The quarterback was criticised for his attitude by teammate Steve Smith last season, with some questioning whether he could lead the side.

The 24-year-old told the Charlotte Observer: "I recognise, and everyone knows around the league, when you're a team captain, that's not just a patch on the jersey.

"You're holding yourself to a higher standard with being accountable. I'm going about it each and every day and trying to make that happen."

Newton was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year in 2011.