Cam Newton is the father of eight children, the ninth is on the way, with three different women.

In a recent interview, the former NFL player reflected on the reality of creating “broken families” and shared how he’s taking accountability and working to create positive change moving forward in his life.

On the Let’s Be Clear podcast with host Jamal Bryant, the 36-year-old shared that one of the hardest things for him has been dealing with criticism, including from Cheyenne Bryant, PsyD, about creating “broken homes.”

“It’s still a work in progress,” he said in his interview. “Vulnerably. It took something out of me when or when people say I created broken homes, and I’m just trying to make my wrongs right. Being a public figure, and bleeding in public is tough.”

“When it was identified, I was like, ‘I never thought about it like that, and they’re so innocent, they didn’t ask for this,” he continued. “And I would always say, ‘I know right from wrong, I just don’t always do right.’ Raised in a church, preacher’s kids, they’re the worst ones. I know that. So, public ridicule is a constant.”

Yet, the former New England Patriots player makes it known that he “does not play about his kids” and he is always there for them if they need. 

“Anybody who knows me, know I don’t play about my kids,” he said. “I really don’t, and I love ‘em. And there’s certain implementations that you only can do if you’re on tap.”

Newton is expecting his ninth child with his girlfriend, comedian Jasmin Brown. This is the second child for the couple. 

The former quarterback also shares four children with ex-girlfriend Kia Proctor: sons Chosen Sebastian, Camidas Swain, and Cashmere Saint, and daughter Sovereign-Dior Cambella. He also helps raise Proctor’s older daughter, Shakira. Additionally, Newton has two children with photographer LaReina Shaw: their son, Caesar, and Shaw’s older son, Jaden, from a previous relationship.

To hear Newton’s interview in its entirety, click here. 

Photo: Cam Newton Instagram; The Jamal Bryant Podcast Instagram