Even with an injury, New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is still bringing positive energy to the team. After suffering a hand injury during 11-on-11’s Friday, Newton had to leave the drill and did not return.

Despite his injury, Newton’s uplifting personality and energy was still palpable. As wide receiver Nelson Agholor noted on Friday, the quarterback still has a strong presence even when he is not on the field.

With the Patriots having several newcomers on the offensive side of the football,  Newton has made a strong impression on the newcomers. His love for the game, coupled with his ability to be a leader are two things Agholor notices in particular.

“He’s still around. He still talks to the wide receivers, talks to his teammates. You still feel him, man. That’s’ why he’s a great teammate. He’s a quarterback, but he’s also a great teammate because he loves football. Even when he’s not physically taking any reps, you still feel his presence. And that’s every week, even when it’s another quarterback in throwing – he’s there, rooting everybody on, encouraging, ‘great throws, great catches’, teaching, things like that. So it’s his energy, man. He truly loves the game of football.”

With rookie Mac Jones showing promise, and Jarrett Stidham showing progress of his own, Newton’s positive energy and love for the game may be two crucial components for him down the road.