ETTRICK, Va. (WWBT) - Retired NFL player Cam Newton welcomed incoming students to Virginia State University Friday morning at the school’s freshman pinning ceremony.
Newton, a former NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner, headlined the event, which officially welcomed students to the Trojan family.
Cam Newton(WWBT)
Before the pinning, Newton took questions from a student panel, speaking about how football shaped his life.
“It gave me exposure to different cultures. And I think that would be my challenge to each and every person who is enrolling in VSU, who experiences VSU, or is about to leave VSU. Me having children, I think the greatest asset that I think life has taught me is to not be afraid to be exposed to different,” Newton said.
He also encouraged students to be themselves and chase their dreams.
_Copyright 2026 WWBT. All rights reserved._