In a moment that has͏ sparked widespread conversation, former͏ NFL MVP Cam Newton publicly criticized New York Giants rookie Cam Skattebo and other Gen-Z ͏athletes for what he views as a growing disconnect͏ from the͏ history of the sport. The remarks came after a viral moment involving Skattebo revealed just how unfamiliar some young players are with NFL legends.

Cam Newton Questions Gen-Z’s Connection to NFL History

The incident began when Skattebo, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, appeared on the St. Brown Bros. podcast and failed to recognize Hall of Famer Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. The clip quickly circulated, prompting Newton to respond on his own podcast, 4th&1. His message was clear and direct: today’s athletes are not students of the game.

“They not fans of the game,” Newton said. “These kids, they playing video games all day. Have you ever heard of Chad Ochocinco? Have you heard of Terrell Owens? Have you heard of Steve Smith? Have you heard of Prime Time?”

Newton’s comments weren’t limited to Skattebo alone. He used the moment to highlight what he sees as a generational issue. Many younger players, he argued, are so immersed in social media and video games that they fail to appreciate the foundational figures of the NFL. Short-form content on platforms like YouTube and the absence of historical depth in sports video games have, in his view, reduced reverence for the game’s greats.

To address this in his͏ own household, Newton shared a ͏rule he’s now set for ͏his children: “You g͏otta͏ dedicate 30 minutes or an hour to studying the sport that you want to play,” said Newton.

͏By doing so, ͏he hopes to ͏eliminate misconceptions and͏ ensure that they recognize the trailblazers who came before.

While Newton did express some sympathy toward Skattebo, acknowledging that most of what he’s come across has likely been through YouTube and that football is “a masked sport,” he still emphasized that players need to actively seek out knowledge of the game’s past. He noted that unlike NBA or soccer players, NFL athletes often remain hidden behind helmets, making recognition difficult without prior learning.

Newton also touched on how changing video game content has impacted young fans’ understanding. In earlier versions of Madden, players could relive iconic moments like “The Drive” or “The Immaculate Reception.” Now, commercial game modes like Ultimate Team have taken center stage, pushing history further into the background.

Ultimately, Newton’s critique wasn’t just a rebuke. It was a call to action. “There’s so much that kids don’t understand,” he said, stressing the importance of historical awareness for players who hope to leave a meaningful legacy in the league.

CONWAY, Ark. – Central Arkansas Track and Field head coach Josey Weaver was announced as the 2024-25 winner of the Raymond Bright Award this morning. The honor comes after a dominant season for the Bears, led by Weaver and his staff.
 
Weaver and the Bears swept the ASUN Track and Field Championships this year, both the indoor and outdoor titles, claiming both men’s and women’s title sweeps for the first ASUN championships in program history. With a dedicated staff and roster, Weaver’s squads continue to build the brand of Central Arkansas track and field, rewriting a good chunk of the program’s record books over his first three seasons in Conway. On a conference level, freshman Jeremiah Boudreaux earned Most Valuable Performer at both championships, and sophomore Joia Perry earned both the indoor and outdoor Most Outstanding Field Performer awards.
 
“I am extremely grateful and honored to receive the Raymond Bright Award. Especially after finding out about Coach Bright’s track and field background,” Coach Weaver said of the honor. “This is an individual award made possible by an incredible group of coaches, student athletes and our amazing support staff at the University of Central Arkansas. I hope to continue to honor Coach Bright’s legacy through out track and field program for years to come.”
 
Weaver is the fourth Central Arkansas coach to claim the award, and the third in the last five seasons, after Jenny Parsons in 2022 and David Kuhn in 2021.
 
“Coach Weaver is very deserving of this recognition. Sweeping the ASUN Indoor and Outdoor titles is an incredible feat in just year three,” Director of Athletics Matt Whiting said of Weaver. “Not only have his teams experienced success in competition, they have also been able to achieve high marks academically. We are fortunate to have him and his staff at UCA, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of our cross country and track and field programs under his leadership.”
 
The award is named in honor of Raymond Bright, who was one of the most successful and revered coaches in Conway’s history and impacted many lives through his dedication. A native of Hope, Bright served in the Navy during World War II. He then graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. 
 

Bright began his coaching career at Conway Junior High School in 1949 then continued at Conway High coaching football and track from 1951 to 1958. His Wampus Cats won three track & field state championships. Bright moved across town to UCA to coach track from 1959 to 1965 and then football from 1965 to 1971. His teams won multiple AIC titles in both sports. He is a member of the Wampus Cat Sports Hall of Fame, the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
 
 

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Ava Toppin has been selected as the captain of the Navy volleyball team for the 2025 fall campaign, head coach Paco Labrador announced today.

“Ava has established herself as a true servant leader on this team,” said Labrador. “She has overcome many challenges over her three years at Navy, including a season ending injury, while at the same time elevating her mental, physical and tactical game to emerge from this spring as our top attacker and blocker.  Ava will bring an excellent mix of empathy and accountability to this team.  I’m excited to share in her leadership journey this year.”

The rising senior middle blocker from Carolina Beach, N.C., started 23 of her 25 matches during her 2024 junior season.  She averaged 1.61 kills and 0.87 blocks per set on the year to go along with a .258 hitting percentage.  Toppin ranked first on the team in total blocks, second in hitting percentage and third in total kills.  She improved her statistics to 1.65 kills, 0.96 blocks and a .265 attack percentage during the league season.

The English major has received academic honors from the USNA in four semesters and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll last fall.