Former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton says he wants to play in the NFL again and appears miffed the Indianapolis Colts did not call him to work out as a replacement for injured quarterback Daniel Jones.

Jones suffered a ruptured Achilles in last Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending his season. The Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice squad as they search for a replacement to keep them afloat in their pursuit of an AFC South title or a playoff spot. One reason for the signing: Rivers already knew the Colts’ offensive scheme and was in regular contact with Colts head coach Shane Steichen.

On his “4th and 1” podcast released Wednesday, Newton and his co-host “Peggy” were discussing the Colts’ decision to sign Rivers, which led to Newton saying he would have liked to work out for the team and that he was still not retired because of situations like this.

“I don’t give a damn if he was in their family, he’s 44 years old bro,” Newton said.

Newton, who is a regular guest on ESPN’s “First Take,” shared the reason he thought the Colts did not call him.

“There’s bending of the rules for certain people but I know what it comes with me: The personality bro,” Newton said. “Folks don’t want a (Cleveland Browns quarterback) Shedeur (Sanders) situation. They don’t want a circus.”

Newton then said jokingly another reason the Colts did not want to sign him, pointing to a recent move they made before the trade deadline.

“I know why Indianapolis coach didn’t sign me,” Newton said. “It’s because their newest member, Sauce Gardner, was wearing number one. That’s what it is.”

As the first overall selection by the Panthers in the 2011 NFL draft, Newton played 11 seasons in the league, 10 for the Panthers and one for the Patriots. The former NFL MVP and three-time Pro Bowl selection, now 36 years old, last played in a regular-season game in 2021.

In that season, he completed 54.8% of his passes (69 of 126) for 684 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 230 yards and five touchdowns.