Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was in Charlotte hosting a football camp at Johnson C. Smith University. While visiting the team that won its first eight games, Newton took a moment to shout out the Golden Bulls.

A video showing Newton recognizing the program was posted on the school’s Instagram account on Oct. 26.

“Man, I want to give a special shoutout to the Johnson C. Smith football team, faculty, staff, football players, coaches, everybody involved, as well as the fans,” he said in part.

In response to the video, HBCU fans bombarded the comments section supporting JCSU.

“Nuff Respect!!! BigUp JCSU!!!” a user commented.

“I been in the Charlotte area for two years from H-Town, Texas. I find it strange that people don’t speak about this college. If it wasn’t for IG I wouldn’t had known it existed,” another shared. 

“JCSU finally receiving the recognition that we deserve especially from the city of Charlotte,” a third wrote. 

“If this was UNCC the news would be all over the #704 sad but true. Goooo Golden Bulls,” someone else remarked. 

The Golden Bulls ranked first in the HBCU Division II poll and was close to achieving its first undefeated season before losing to Fayetteville State recently.

The support Newton has for JCSU stems from his connection to HBCUs. HBCU Buzz reported that his father, Cecil Sr., played football for Savannah State University. His older brother, Cecil Jr., played at Tennessee State University, and their younger brother, Caylin, played at Howard University.