Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton wants to get into the HBCU media space.
In a spirited discussion on his show 4th&1, Newton argued that college football offers the “sweetest gig in sports” due to its unmatched passion and diversity of experiences—from tailgates and student sections to the rich culture found at HBCUs.
“There’s so much passion and real emotion in college,” Newton noted, adding that he could deliver compelling content from “the parties, the tailgates, and the student section.”
Setting his sights on hosting duties, Newton pitched himself as the perfect candidate for a high-profile college football show, making an open appeal for a deal comparable to that of ESPN’s Pat McAfee.
“Give Cam Newton a Pat McAfee-like deal… You talk about the content, then you can start showing the tailgates, the student section,” he proclaimed, vowing to elevate coverage by immersing himself directly in college culture.
Highlighting the rich traditions and vibrant scenes at HBCUs, Newton called for more media attention and advocated for his own involvement as a host for HBCU College GameDay program.
“You give me that @PatMcAfeeShow deal… I’ll show you what box office REALLY is!”
Cam Newton doesn’t want to join @CollegeGameDay… he wants his OWN version for HBCUs pic.twitter.com/BJA0grHmkL
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) July 25, 2025
“You get me to the Tuskegee, Savannah States, Tennessee States, the Jackson States… We need to put them on our stage,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of showcasing not just football but the bands, cheer teams, and Greek life that define HBCU game days.
Newton closed by expressing pride in both his experiences at predominantly white institutions and his commitment to uplifting HBCUs, declaring, “I want who wants me.”
Newton does have ties to HBCUs.
Caylin Newton, his younger brother, was the quarterback for Howard University from 2017 to 2019. He had a successful career there, earning MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year while a member of the Bison.
