Two of the most iconic athletes in the city of Charlotte, NC, in recent history are Kemba Walker and Cam Newton.

Both players are prolific talents who lifted the city on their shoulders during their stints with the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers. Both players ended up in the New England era, playing for two of the most dominant franchises in sports history.

Walker joined the Boston Celtics last offseason and Newton is the recently acquired New England Patriots quarterback to potentially replace Tom Brady. Walker built a close relationship with Newton over the years and gave some positive words about the quarterback on a Zoom call on Wednesday.

“I know Cam, obviously,” Walker said, transcribed by WEEI. “He was doing his thing. I was doing mine. We actually were both with the same shoe company when we first came out so that’s how we really got to know each other. When I heard the news, it was just crazy. It was just crazy both of us came in the same year, spent the same amount of time there and then both came to Boston. It’s insane to me. But I’m happy for him.

“New beginnings, obviously, and the fans are going to love him. They’re going to love him a lot. So I’m looking forward to, when the world opens back up, going out there to a game and support him. So, yeah, it’s exciting news.”

Newton has one of the brightest personalities in the NFL and his charisma might just be enough to replace the energy Brady carried. The Patriots needed a talented and confident quarterback to fill Brady’s shoes and Newton checks the boxes.

Walker is one of the most humble and respected players in the NBA, so his endorsement carries weight.