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Ed Newman
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Ed Newman
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Edward Kenneth Newman (born June 4, 1951) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive guard for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) from 1973 to 1984. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, he played 167 games over 12 seasons with the Dolphins.[1][2][3] He is now a judge in Florida, and he has recently published his memoir, Warrior Judge: One Man's Journey from Gridiron to Gavel.

Key Information

Early life

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Newman was born in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in Syosset, New York, and Woodbury, New York, and is Jewish.[4][5] Once, when asked how he got up for a goal-line stand, he responded with a Yiddish word to describe the process, saying: "You gotta suck it up from the kishkes."[4][5] He played high school football and wrestled for Syosset High School in the late 1960s.[6]

College career in football and wrestling

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He enrolled in 1969 at Duke University on an athletic scholarship. He participated for Duke in two sports: twice earning All Conference honors in football as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman, and twice as a heavyweight wrestler winning the ACC heavyweight championship.[5] He was a Football All-American in 1971, and a Football All-ACC in 1971 and 1972.[7] In 1973, Newman graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.[8]

Football career

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The Miami Dolphins drafted Newman in the sixth round of the 1973 NFL draft.

In his football career, the Dolphins went to three Super Bowls: Minnesota Vikings (1973 win), Washington Redskins (1982 loss), and San Francisco 49ers (1984 loss); and Newman was a three-time All Pro and was selected by his peers to the Pro Bowl four times (1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984).[2][7] He did not play the 1985 season with his third serious knee injury, after having overcome thyroid cancer earlier in his career.[9] A knee injury in his 13th season with the Dolphins in 1985 ended his career.[7]

During his pro career, he worked as an assistant coach of the Florida International University wrestling team in the off-season.[10]

During his NFL career, Newman spearheaded a community drive for blood donations on behalf of the South Florida Blood Service. This and other charitable efforts resulted in the renaming of Northwest 17th Street (Miami, Florida) to "Ed Newman Street."[11]

Honors

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Newman was inducted into the Duke Athletic Hall of Fame, the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in the Wingate Institute, outside of Netanya, in Israel.[12] He was also inducted, alongside a host of other former Miami Dolphins players, into the St. Thomas University (FL) Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. He was inducted into the Dolphins Walk of Fame in 2014.[13]

Law career

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In 1984, while playing pro football by day, Newman enrolled in the night division of the University of Miami School of Law.[14][13] After graduating in 1987, Newman practiced law as a litigation attorney for seven years. In 1994, Newman was elected County Court Judge in Miami, Florida, and began his first term in January 1995. He retired in 2022, after serving for decades at the Richard E. Gerstein Criminal Justice Building alongside his bailiff and former Dolphins teammate Tony Nathan.[2]

Personal life

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Newman married his wife Cathy in 1977.

Newman serves on the Miami Dolphins Alumni Board of Directors, the University of Miami School of Law alumni board, and the Board of Transition, Inc.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ed Newman

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from Grokipedia
Edward Kenneth Newman (born June 4, 1951) is an American former professional and , best known for his 12-season career as an offensive guard for the in the (NFL), where he contributed to the team's victory and earned four selections along with one first-team honor. Born in , New York, and raised in Syosset and Woodbury, he attended , graduating in 1973 with a in , before embarking on a professional athletic career that intersected with his pursuit of higher education in . Married to Cathy since 1977, Newman and his wife have two daughters, Stephani and Holly. Newman's NFL journey began as an undrafted signed by the Dolphins in 1973, where he played all 167 of his regular-season games exclusively for the team through the 1984 season, overcoming a diagnosis during his playing years, with a brief appearance in in 1985 before retiring due to a . Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 245 pounds, he excelled as a blocker for legendary quarterbacks like and , as well as running back , anchoring the offensive line during Miami's competitive years in the and . His on-field accolades include appearances in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984, and a first-team selection in 1984, highlighting his status as one of the league's top interior linemen. Additionally, Newman was inducted into both the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions as a Jewish in . Transitioning from the gridiron, Newman enrolled at the School of Law in 1984 while still active in the , balancing rigorous studies with his athletic demands—a period he later described as "a year of amazement"—and graduated with a in 1987. He initially worked as a litigator handling , claims, and contract cases before being elected as a Miami-Dade judge in 1995, a position he held for 28 years until his retirement as an active senior judge. In his legal career, Newman remained engaged with the Law Alumni Association, participating in networking and mentorship activities. He co-authored a titled Warrior Judge with his daughter Holly Newman Greenberg, chronicling his unique path from NFL stardom to the judiciary.

Early Years

Childhood and High School

Edward Kenneth Newman was born on June 4, 1951, in , New York, into a Jewish family. Newman spent much of his childhood and adolescence in the suburban communities of Syosset and Woodbury on , New York. During his high school years at in the late 1960s, Newman actively participated in both football and wrestling, playing on the offensive and defensive lines for the football team while competing in wrestling matches. These sports introduced him to rigorous training regimens and competitive environments, helping him build physical strength, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of discipline that would define his later pursuits. His involvement in wrestling, which he began in junior high, further honed his resilience and teamwork skills through intense one-on-one competitions and team practices. This foundation in high school athletics paved the way for Newman's recruitment to , where he continued to excel in football and wrestling.

College Athletics and Education

Ed Newman attended from 1969 to 1973 on an , where he pursued dual interests in football and wrestling while completing his undergraduate studies. As a student-athlete, he balanced rigorous academic demands with competitive sports, laying the groundwork for his later professional achievements. His high school athletic background in football and wrestling provided a strong foundation for his success at the collegiate level. In football, Newman excelled as both an offensive and defensive lineman for the , earning significant recognition for his versatility and performance. He received All-Atlantic Coast Conference (All-ACC) honors as an offensive lineman in 1971, along with All-American laurels that year, and was selected to the All-ACC team again in 1972 as a defensive lineman. These accolades highlighted his contributions to the team's efforts during a period when Duke competed in the ACC, underscoring his physical prowess and strategic acumen on the gridiron. Newman's wrestling career at was equally distinguished, particularly in the heavyweight division, where he demonstrated dominance in the conference. He captured the ACC heavyweight championship in both 1970 and 1971, and served as team co-captain in 1972, reflecting his leadership and technical skill in the . These accomplishments cemented his as a standout multi- at the university. Academically, Newman graduated from in 1973 with a degree in , demonstrating his ability to integrate scholarly pursuits with athletic excellence. This educational milestone provided a intellectual foundation that complemented his physical achievements during his time at .

Professional Football Career

NFL Entry and Playing Years

Ed Newman was selected by the in the sixth round, 156th overall, of the , following his recognition as a college All-American at , which bolstered his draft stock. Newman enjoyed a 12-season NFL career exclusively with the Dolphins from 1973 to 1984, appearing in 167 games and making 113 starts primarily as an offensive guard. During this tenure, he contributed to the team's offensive line, helping protect quarterbacks like and while supporting running backs such as . Newman participated in three Super Bowls with the Dolphins, securing a victory in following the 1973 season, before appearances in losses during after the 1982 campaign and after the 1984 season. His career concluded after a severe injury sustained in 1985 training camp, which included a partial tear of the and a full tear of the , prompting his retirement.

Key Achievements and Challenges

Ed Newman's tenure with the was marked by consistent excellence on the offensive line, earning him four consecutive selections from 1981 to 1984. These honors recognized his pivotal role in protecting quarterbacks and opening running lanes, contributing to the team's dynamic offenses led by players like and later . During his time with the Dolphins, Newman received honors each year from 1981 to 1984, highlighting his status as one of the league's premier guards. His technical prowess and durability were instrumental in the team's sustained success, including multiple playoff appearances and deep postseason runs. One of the most significant challenges Newman faced was a diagnosis of in 1975, during his second season in the . He underwent two throat operations to address the condition but successfully overcame it, returning to full strength and continuing to perform at an elite level without missing substantial playing time that year. Newman's contributions were especially vital during the Dolphins' Super Bowl eras, where he anchored the offensive line for their championship victory in as a in 1974, as well as appearances in (1983 season) and (1984 season). His blocking helped facilitate the team's ground-and-pound style and aerial attacks, supporting consistent divisional contention and two titles in the early 1980s. Over his 12-season NFL career with the Dolphins, Newman appeared in 167 games, starting 113, which underscored his reliability despite health setbacks.

Law School and Early Practice

After retiring from the NFL due to a knee injury sustained during Super Bowl XIX in 1985, Ed Newman was able to focus more intensively on his legal studies. Newman enrolled in the night division of the School of Law in 1984, balancing his coursework with his ongoing professional football commitments as an offensive guard for the . This period marked the beginning of his transition from athletics to law, where he drew upon the discipline and resilience developed through years of competitive sports to manage the rigors of . He has described this dual pursuit as "a year of amazement," highlighting the rewarding challenge of succeeding in both arenas simultaneously. Newman graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in with a degree. Following graduation, he entered private practice in as a litigation attorney, handling cases involving , personal injury claims, and contracts for a period of seven years. This early phase of his legal career allowed him to apply the strategic thinking and perseverance honed on the football field to the demands of courtroom advocacy and client representation.

Judicial Role and Retirement

In 1995, Ed Newman was elected to the Miami-Dade bench, beginning a distinguished judicial career focused on serving the community. His prior experience in private litigation practice provided foundational preparation for interpreting and applying the from the bench. Newman's 28-year tenure, spanning until his from active duty in 2022, involved presiding over a wide array of cases in civil, criminal, and family divisions, including an initial assignment to the Division and subsequent rotations handling thousands of matters such as misdemeanors, assaults, and contract disputes. He managed an average of 35 cases per day, often emphasizing rehabilitation over by imposing community service, counseling, and payment plans for first-time offenders who demonstrated remorse. Drawing from his background as an offensive lineman, Newman incorporated lessons of perseverance and teamwork into his judicial philosophy, viewing the courtroom as a space for guidance akin to coaching on the field and using metaphors from his Dolphins days under coach to underscore accountability and redemption. This approach reflected a belief that most individuals are redeemable, helping him maintain an optimistic perspective amid challenging cases involving , manipulation, and societal pressures. Upon his retirement from in December 2022, Newman's long-term contributions to in Miami-Dade County were honored, including the renaming of Northwest 17th Street to "Ed Newman Street" in recognition of his service; he continues to serve as a senior judge.

Later Life and Legacy

Family and Community Engagement

Newman married his wife, , in 1977, and the couple raised two daughters, Stephani and , in . Their family life reflected Newman's transition from professional athletics to law, with Holly later co-authoring his 2023 Warrior Judge: One Man's Journey from Gridiron to , highlighting a close father-daughter bond centered on sharing his life's lessons. Newman has long been active in , including his role with the Alumni, where he participates in charitable initiatives to support . He also remains engaged with the Law Alumni Association, attending meetings and networking events like Breakfast with the Bench to foster connections among legal professionals. During his career, Newman led drives for the Blood Service, efforts that earned him recognition for outstanding community leadership. Following his retirement from full-time service on the Miami-Dade bench in , he continues to serve as an active senior judge, and has devoted more time to community roles, leveraging his backgrounds in and for . He draws on these experiences to inspire younger individuals, particularly through alumni activities and public discussions of resilience and .

Publications and Honors

In 2023, Ed Newman co-authored the memoir Warrior Judge: One Man's Journey from the Gridiron to with Holly Greenberg, which chronicles his transition from a football career to a distinguished , highlighting themes of resilience, , and . Newman has received numerous honors recognizing his achievements in athletics and his broader contributions. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his standout performance as a dual-sport in football and wrestling during his years. Additionally, he earned induction into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his role as a prominent Jewish in football. In 2014, Newman was honored with induction into the Walk of Fame alongside other former teammates, celebrating his decade-long tenure as an offensive guard. He was further inducted into the St. Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, recognizing his enduring impact on sports and education. Newman's legacy endures as a multifaceted figure who bridged the worlds of , , and , inspiring others through his perseverance and commitment to following his 2022 retirement from the bench.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NewmEd00.htm
  2. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/ed-newman
  3. https://www.miamidolphins.com/podcasts/ed-newman-the-warrior-judge
  4. https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/02/interview-with-the-honorable-edward-newman.html
  5. https://www.law.com/article/almID/1202741798010/
  6. https://goduke.com/honors/duke-athletics-hall-of-fame/ed-newman/122
  7. https://goduke.com/sports/2005/12/14/220792
  8. https://www.jewsinsports.org/profile_sport_football_ID_20.html
  9. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/08/11/Ed-Newman-the-All-Pro-offensive-guard-of-the-Miami/5647492580800/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/20/sports/sports-people-miami-s-newman-quits.html
  11. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/01/16/Ed-Newman-is-the-final-active-player-still-around/7216474699600/
  12. http://miamisouthpaw.blogspot.com/2009/08/ghosts-of-orange-bowl-ed-newman.html
  13. https://friedonbusiness.com/dolphin-great-ed-newman-author-of-warrior-king/
  14. https://trellis.law/judge/edward.k.newman
  15. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article39634395.html
  16. http://justicebuilding.blogspot.com/2022/12/judge-ed-newman-retires-and-christopher.html
  17. https://dolphinscancerchallenge.com/participants/46522
  18. https://www.nflalumni.org/2024/02/15/ed-newmans-employment-in-radiator-business-sidetracked-by-nfl-judicial-careers/
  19. https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/Judge-Details?judgeid=719&sectionid=98
  20. https://warriorjudge.com/
  21. https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Judge-Journey-Gridiron-Gavel/dp/1637844573
  22. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-unveil-six-former-players-to-walk-of-fame
  23. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-14-ed-newman-warrior-judge-one-mans-journey-from/id1654249595?i=1000640744788
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