Cam Newton completed his degree in sociology from Auburn this week before signing a five-year, $103.8 million extension.

Newton recently sat down with ESPN’s Trey Wingo to talk about earning his degree. Here are portions of that interview, which aired Friday on "NFL Live", beginning with what it means to hear the words "college graduate."

"It just gives me so much chills," Newton told Wingo. "It’s like, I’m in the ... and the league class that so many people cherish, but I also can shine light to so many other people that was in the dark. Just to say, 'Why do I need my degree? I already got money. Why do I need my degree?' ... It's not about how it may seem to you. It just makes sense.

"I’m Cam Newton. I’m a graduate of ... of ... of a college. Not only a college, one of the best colleges. Or in my opinion, the best college, you know, in the nation at Auburn University."

The Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton have agreed upon a five-year, $103.8 million extension.

The extension features $60 million guaranteed and will earn Newton $67.6 million in the first three years, according to the source. The deal further breaks down to a $22.5 million signing bonus, a $7.5 million roster bonus due Saturday, and a $1 million base salary this season which all totals to $31 million for this season, the source said.

Newton will be the highest paid player in the NFL in 2015 barring an extension for Russell Wilson or Andrew Luck.

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are close to agreement on a contract extension. The deal is likely to run through 2020.

Newton, the first pick of the 2011 draft, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Carolina exercised the fifth-year option on that deal last year, meaning Newton is currently set to make $14,666,666 in 2015 before an extension.

Newton's neal deal will likely average between $20 million and $21 million per season.