He still was wearing the big smile he had on his final play -- a 9-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin -- as he literally leaped a yellow security rope on his way to the locker room.
The 2015 NFL MVP led the Panthers 75 yards in 10 plays, the final one a toss to Benjamin on a slant route that looked ridiculously easy.
It's next stop regular season for Cam Newton after the Panthers QB completed both of his attempts for 21 yards and a touchdown Thursday at Jacksonville.
He still hasn't proved his shoulder can handle the wear and tear of a complete game in which he's asked to carry the load with his right arm.
"I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a little extra excited to be out there tonight," said center Ryan Kalil , playing for the first time since his 2016 season ended because of a shoulder injury in October.
- Cam Newton wanted to play more, for once they didn't let himNBCSports.com
- Curtis Samuel's nerves were racing in preseason debutNBCSports.com
- NFL notes: Cam Newton perfect in preseason debutLos Angeles Times
- Cam's return kicks off the most noteworthy week of the preseasonVirginian-Pilot
- Panthers QB Cam Newton perfect in preseason debut at JaguarsYahoo Sports
- Newton perfect in preseason debut, Panthers edge Jags 24-23KIRO Seattle
- Cam Newton marches Carolina down field in 10-play TD drive, exitsABC News
- Panthers rave over 'unbelievable' Kelvin BenjaminNFL.com
- Cam Newton, offense do all the right things in 1st drive of win against ...Charlotte Observer
