Cam Newton is turning a short-lived TV opportunity into a long-term investment in HBCU culture.
After BET+ decided not to continue “106 & Sports,” the former NFL MVP says he is putting his earnings back into the community that inspired the show in the first place. In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Newton revealed he is personally funding a six-city college football tailgate tour set for this fall, with most stops planned at historically Black colleges and universities.
“I took on the BET project for one reason: To give back and shine a light on the excellence of our HBCUs — their student-athletes, their academic programs, their alumni, and that one-of-a-kind gameday experience,” Newton said.
The BET+ series “106 & Sports” was filmed in Atlanta and co-hosted by Ashley Nicole Moss. Across eight episodes, the show highlighted HBCU athletics and campus traditions. While its run was brief, Newton said he is proud of what the team created and believes an independent approach will allow him to expand the vision.
The upcoming tour will also feature on-site production for his 4th and 1 podcast, giving him space to spotlight school history, alumni voices, and game day energy. Four of the six tour stops will take place at HBCUs, though dates and locations have not been announced.
Newton’s connection to HBCUs runs deep. Although family members attended historically Black colleges, his path included the University of Florida before transferring to Auburn University, where he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. In recent years, he has also appeared on First Take during broadcasts from HBCU campuses, continuing to champion their impact on and off the field.
Come to Lincoln University Mo. for a tailgate experience which is amongst one of the first HBCU’S founded!
The great Bethune-Cookman University tailgate is live!!!