"For all the good things Cam Newton did on the field during his record-setting rookie season, it was a phone conversation Trent Dilfer had with Newton this week that convinced Dilfer the Panthers' quarterback is destined for sustained success.

Dilfer, the ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback, called Newton on Tuesday to let him know he was coming to Charlotte for a speaking engagement. Newton told Dilfer he was finishing up a workout at Bank of America Stadium, and went on to describe how he'd spent the first two weeks of the offseason.

"He's watched every snap of this season already on his own. He's not missed a day in the weight room. He's already running," Dilfer told the Hood Hargett Breakfast Club on Friday at Carmel Country Club. "He's already training as if it's the heart of the offseason."

Dilfer has been impressed with Newton since he attended a personal workout Newton held for media members last February in California. Newton's physical talent and willingness to work were evident."