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.