Though most quarterbacks spoke with reporters Friday, Cam Newton took questions Saturday afternoon.
Though most draft prospects are announced just as they sit down at one of several round tables, Newton got an announcement five minutes before he arrived - as well as a sound check and an introduction from former Cowboys executive and draft guru Gil Brandt at the head podium.
Though the pending lockout and all the big-money contracts the Raiders gave out are the stories of the NFL combine, Newton is the star.
Most of the record 715 media on hand hung on his every word, much as coaches and executives have for the past four days.
The Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn left school early for days like these, as did Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
The 49ers pick seventh in the April NFL draft and are desperate for a quarterback, and there is an ever-increasing chance that neither Newton nor Gabbert will still be available then.
"You're looking at the top 15 teams, and potentially 10 teams could use a quarterback," Gabbert said. "I know every quarterback in this draft looked at that, not only me. That's kind of why I decided to come out."
More on Gabbert later. Newton had the floor Saturday, and the first thing he tried to do was clear up that "icon" business. In an interview before the combine, Newton said he saw himself "not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."
He said Saturday that he understood the negative reaction, and the "icon" quote came in the context of his endorsement deal with Under Armour. He took being an ambassador for the product a little too seriously.
"First and foremost," Newton said, "I understand that my obligation is to be the best possible football player I can be. I know and believe that."
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