Former Carolina star quarterback Cam Newton doubled down on recent comments that the Panthers had “a locker room of losers” before drafting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, saying his remarks were “aggressive” but “true.”

Newton says during Thursday’s “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” podcast that he was referring to the team’s performance as a whole and not individual players.

Several former teammates, including star receiver Steve Smith Sr., took exception to comments Newton made during an appearance on a podcast featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

He spoke about the pressures Hunter might face if he’s drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.

PHILADELPHIA TURNS GREEN

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles fans climbed trees and atop ladders to get a glimpse of their Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Screams and cheers broke out Friday when MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the team’s victory parade through the City of Brotherly Love.

Fans camped out along the parade route overnight. Some huddled under blankets and inside tents early Friday to secure prime spots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the Eagles took the stage.

Running back Saquon and other players hopped off the open-air buses to walk along the parade route and exchange high-fives with fans.

“This team is special. We can’t be great without the greatness of others, and that certainly applies to our fans,” head coach Nick Sirianni said.

NASCAR DRAWS STARS TO DAYTONA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It’s NASCAR’s turn to throw its version of the Super Bowl with Sunday’s Daytona 500. The “Great American Race” has Captain America coming and maybe even President Donald Trump. The field is stacked with stars, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who at age 49 is making his NASCAR debut.

The start of the race has been moved up an hour, to 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with the threat of rain later Sunday.

Pitbull is scheduled to perform the pre-race concert after his appearance was canceled last year because of rain.