NFL free agent quarterback Cam Newton took to social media on Friday to explain sexist comments made earlier this month, which received heavy criticism.

During an appearance on Barstool Sports Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Newton explained what he believed was the woman’s role in society.

"Now, a woman for me is, handling your own but knowing how to cater to a man’s needs. Right? And I think a lot of times when you get that aesthetic of: ‘I’m a boss (expletive), Imma this, Imma that.’ No, baby. But you can’t cook. You don’t know when to be quiet. You don’t know how to allow a man to lead."

Newton said that his comments were taken out of context in new video on his personal YouTube page.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game i 2021.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game i 2021.

The three-time Pro Bowler added that society is "sensitive about topics that need to be brought to the forefront."

"I never once had this sexist mentality, this dictatorship mentality towards women, this mentality that women are beneath me because that’s completely false," Newton said. "I should have said on top of what I also said and mentioned that not only should a woman know when to be quiet, a man also should know when to be quiet."

Newton, who says he is the father of seven children, repeats that he is at ease with the criticism because he knows what’s in his heart.

"I never wanted to demonize or to shrink the woman’s power in America," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Newton says he is not sexist amid criticism over NFL QB’s comments