Cam Newton tweets that he’s a father

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton is a father.

The Carolina Panthers quarterback said Wednesday on Twitter that his longtime girlfriend had a son last week.

“Our family is excited and thank you all for the well wishes!” Newton tweeted.

Newton didn’t reveal the names of the mother or son.

Newton’s Panthers are 14-1 entering the final weekend of the regular season and can wrap up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory Sunday against Tampa Bay. Newton celebrated a touchdown last Sunday by pretending to rock the football like a baby, but said afterward there was no significance to it.

“I’ve been quiet about this because I didn’t want to create a distraction for my team and appreciate the privacy in this joyous time,” Newton said.

My longtime girlfriend and I were extremely blessed to have a son last week. Our family is excited and thank you all for the well wishes!

— Cameron Newton (@CameronNewton) December 31, 2015