Cam Newton: 'Pleasure to play with Jordan Gross'

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has said that it was a "pleasure" to play alongside Jordan Gross.

Gross brought an end to his 11-year Panthers career yesterday by announcing his retirement having made a record 167 starts for the franchise.

Newton has been a teammate of the 33-year-old for the past three seasons, and he believes that his side will miss the left tackle.

"It was truly a pleasure to play with Jordan. He always had my back. He will be missed," Newton told The AP.

Gross helped the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in his rookie season before going on to be elected to three Pro Bowls.