Former NFL MVP Cam Newton isn’t pleased with the current population of NFL players these days. Not for their lack of ability or dedication, but for their little regard when it comes to the history of the game.
The institutional knowledge that gets passed from generation to generation is waning, and Newton has become a bit frustrated that the new crop of NFL stars has lost their frame of reference regarding the players who went before them.
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When Newton heard that New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo did not recognize Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Newton just had to speak up on his podcast, 4th&1.
“They not fans of the game,” the former NFL MVP said, via Sportskeeda. 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?
“They’re looking at everything on YouTube. And granted, to Cam Skattebo’s defense, a lot of what he sees has been on probably YouTube. And he plays a sport that’s a mass sport.”
Newton then suggested that anyone who wants to be a professional athlete should dedicate “30 minutes or an hour” a day to the sport they are going to play.
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Newton, 36, has been out of football for four years already but keeps current with the game through his podcast and other media ventures. You can add him to the growing number of former athletes who scratch their heads over the sparse knowledge among their descendants.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Cam Newton calls out Giants rookie Cam Skattebo