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Terence Newman
Terence Newman
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Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats, earning unanimous All-American recognition. He was selected by the Cowboys with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

A native of Salina, Kansas, Newman attended Salina High School Central, where he lettered as a junior and senior in football, three times in track & field and basketball and once in baseball for the Mustangs. As a senior in football, he had 10 receptions for 251 yards and three touchdowns playing as a wide receiver on offense, while also making 45 tackles, five interceptions and five PBUs on the defensive side. In addition, he also returned 13 punts for 271 yards (20.9 avg.), two of them for touchdowns. He was an All-Class 5A selection by the Topeka Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle. He was listed as one of the top 20 recruits in the state of Kansas by First Down Recruiting and was a PrepStar All-Region selection.

Apart from football, Newman was also an outstanding track & field performer with times of 10.36 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 21.6 seconds in the 200-meter dash entering his senior season.

College career

[edit]

Newman attended Kansas State University, where he played as a defensive back for head coach Bill Snyder's Kansas State Wildcats football from 1998 to 2002. His first two seasons he was a backup, until he became a starter and a second-team Big 12 selection as a junior. During his college career, he was also a special teams returner (second player in team history to score on a kickoff and punt return in the same season) and was used sparingly as a wide receiver. He was also a member of the Wildcats track & field team.

He redshirted his first year in 1998, and then went on to play from 1999 to 2002.

Freshman year

[edit]

Still a developing backup defensive back in his second year, Newman saw action in all 11 games as a freshman in 1999. He became an outstanding special teams player, returning a 73-yard kickoff against Baylor. He snagged his first career interception in a 66–0 win over Missouri. He had an impressive spring game with 10 tackles, two passes broken up and an interception that he returned 18 yards.

Sophomore year

[edit]

Newman played in all 14 games as a sophomore in 2000. He recorded a career-high five tackles, including career-high three solos vs. Louisiana Tech in his first career start. He scored a touchdown on a 16-yard blocked-punt against Oklahoma.

In track & field, Newman Finished third in the 60-meter dash (6.76s) at the Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships, but posted a season-best of 6.72 seconds in the prelims, that rank 2nd all-time behind football teammate Aaron Lockett. He had a season-best time of 21.34 seconds in the 200-meter dash, and was a member of the Wildcats' 4 × 100 m relay team that placed fifth at Big 12 Championships.

Junior year

[edit]

As a junior in 2001, Newman was a second team All-Big 12 selection by the coaches, Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Waco Tribune-Herald, and also an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press (AP). He was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back of the year. He shared the Most Improved Defensive Player award with Terry Pierce. He started all 11 games at cornerback, and was just one of eight Wildcats to start all 11 games at the same position. He ranked fifth in the Big 12 and 16th in the nation in passes defended with 19. He was tabbed as coaches' Special Teams Player of the Game three times (USC, Texas A&M and Louisiana Tech). He ranked fifth on the team with 51 total tackles, including 44 solo stops, led the team with 14 PBUs and two blocked kicks and was third with three interceptions. He had an impressive all-around day against Oklahoma, picking off two passes and defending seven more to go with six solo tackles, leading this to be named the Defensive Player of the Game by the Kansas State coaches. He tied a season-high with seven tackles and blocked his second kick of the season vs. Nebraska. Against Missouri, he got his third interception of the season and also added three other PBUs and five tackles. Newman also server ad a kick returner, and ranks second behind Aaron Lockett in returns, yards and average, totalling 211 yards on nine kickoffs with a 23.4 yards per return average. He also tallied a season-best 81 return yards on two carries against Missouri.

In track & field, Newman was just one of two athletes to represent Kansas State's men's team at the NCAA Indoor Nationals, where he finished 15th in the 60 meters. He set a pair of school records for the Wildcats at the 2001 Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships, running a 6.67 in the 60-meter dash semifinals to break the old mark of 6.69 set in 1999 by football teammate Aaron Lockett, while also setting Kansas State's indoor 200-meter dash record with a time of 21.17 seconds. He earned NCAA Outdoor All-American honors in the 100 meters after finishing 12th in a time of 10.49 seconds at the 2001 NCAA Outdoor T&F Championships. He was the Big 12 Outdoor Champion in 100-meter dash with a mark of 10.29 seconds, and set a new school record with a 10.22 mark in qualifying for that event.[1]

Senior year

[edit]

As a senior in 2002, Newman recorded 54 tackles, five interceptions and 14 pass deflections. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection, as well as the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American.[2] He also won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back, and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's best defensive player.

In track & field, Newman defended his Big 12 Outdoor Championship in the 100 meters with a win at Missouri (10.34s). He reached the NCAA semifinals in the 100 m, but did not make the final rounds. He broke his own outdoor school record in the 100-meter dash after clocking a 10.20 at the Jim Click Shootout in his first outdoor meet of the year. He collected his first All-America honor by finishing fifth in the 60 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championship with a time of 6.67 seconds. He was the Big 12 Indoor Champion in the 60-meter dash, clocking a 6.65 in the finals after posting a school-record 6.62 in the prelims.[3] He finished second in the 200 meters at the Big 12s with an NCAA provisional time of 21.42. He also won the 60 meters in 6.70 seconds at the KSU Open, his only regular-season appearance.

After college

[edit]

On January 14, 2026, Newman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.[4]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+38 in
(1.79 m)
189 lb
(86 kg)
31+38 in
(0.80 m)
8+34 in
(0.22 m)
4.37 s 1.56 s 2.61 s 3.83 s 6.88 s 41.0 in
(1.04 m)
11 ft 4 in
(3.45 m)
10 reps
All values from NFL Combine[5][6]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

The Dallas Cowboys selected Newman in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2003 NFL draft.[7] As the fifth overall pick, Newman became Kansas State's highest draft pick in school history, surpassing Clarence Scott who was drafted 14th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 1971 NFL draft.[8] He entered the league as a 25-year-old rookie.

2003

[edit]

On July 24, 2003, the Dallas Cowboys signed Newman to a six–year, $18.41 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $13 million. The contract is worth up to $33 million with incentives and includes a seventh–year option.[9][10][11]

He entered training camp slated as the No. 2 starting cornerback following the departure of Bryant Westbrook. Head coach Bill Parcells named him as the No. 2 starting cornerback to begin the season, alongside Mario Edwards.[12]

On September 7, 2003, Newman made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the Dallas Cowboys' home-opener against the Atlanta Falcons and recorded five solo tackles and made one pass deflection during their 27–13 loss.[13] In Week 2, Newman made five solo tackles, set a career-high with four pass deflections, and made his first career interception on a pass attempt by Kerry Collins to tight end Jeremy Shockey during a 35–32 victory at the New York Giants.[13] In Week 5, he recorded five solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and had his first career sack on quarterback Jeff Blake in the Cowboys' 26–7 win against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 13, he made a season-high seven solo tackles and had a fumble recovery as the Cowboys lost 40–21 to the Miami Dolphins.[13] On December 14, 2003, Newman recorded five combined tackles (three solo), made three pass deflections, and set a career-high with three interceptions on passes thrown by Tim Hasselbeck during a 27–0 victory at the Washington Redskins.[13] He tied the franchise record for most interceptions in a single game. He started in all 16 games throughout the 2003 NFL season and finished with a total of 76 combined tackles (66 solo), 14 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a sack.[14]

The Dallas Cowboys finished second in the NFC East with a 10–6 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 3, 2004, Newman started his first career playoff game and recorded five solo tackles in the Cowboys' 29–10 loss at the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wildcard Game.[13]

2004

[edit]

He entered training camp slated as the No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart. Head coach Bill Parcells officially named him the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the regular season and paired him with Pete Hunter.[15] Due to injuries, Newman was paired with multiple different cornerbacks throughout the season, including Pete Hunter (3), Lance Frazier (8), Tyrone Williams (2), and Jacques Reeves (1).

In Week 6, Newman collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (11 solo) during a 24–20 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On December 26, 2004, he made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in the Cowboys' 13–10 victory against the Washington Redskins in Week 16.[16] He finished the season with 68 combined tackles (64 solo), 15 pass deflections, and four interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[14] He also returned two punts for 13-yards.[17]

Newman with the Cowboys in 2009.

2005

[edit]

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer retained Newman as the No. 1 cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside Anthony Henry.[18][19] In Week 2, Newman collected five solo tackles, broke up a pass, and made an interception during a 14–13 loss to the Washington Redskins.[20] In Week 10, he made four combined tackles and a season-high three pass deflections in the Cowboys' 21–20 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles.[20] On January 1, 2006, Newman collected a season-high six solo tackles during a 20–10 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Week 17.[20] He finished the 2005 season with 59 combined tackles (56 solo), 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[14] Newman did not give up a single touchdown reception in coverage throughout the 2005 regular season and also had ten punt returns for 55-yards (5.50 YPR).[21]

2006

[edit]

Head coach Bill Parcells retained Newman and Anthony Henry as the starting cornerback duo in 2006.[22] In Week 7, he collected a season-high six solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the Cowboys' 36–22 loss to the New York Giants. On December 10, 2006, Newman recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection during a 42–17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. On December 31, 2006, Newman had two solo tackles and two punt returns for 56-yards and a touchdown in a 39–31 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 17.[23] He returned a punt for a 56-yard touchdown in the third quarter to mark the first score of his career. Newman completed the season with 63 combined tackles (53 solo), 11 pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[14] Newman also had 20 punt returns for 202 return yards (10.1 YPR) and a touchdown.[24]

2007

[edit]

On January 23, 2007, head coach Bill Parcells announced his retirement from coaching after the Cowboys finished with a 9–7 record in 2006 and were defeated 21–20 by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wildcard Game due to a fumbled snap on a rain slicked field by Tony Romo during an extra point.[25] New head coach Wade Phillips officially named Newman and Anthony Henry the starting cornerbacks to begin the season, with Jacques Reeves filling in for Newman during his absence.[26]

Newman developed plantar fasciitis in his foot during the preseason and was inactive for the rest of the preseason and the first two regular season games (Weeks 1–2).[27] On October 8, 2007, Newman recorded five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the Cowboys' 25–24 comeback victory at the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. Newman made a key interception off a pass deflection by teammate DeMarcus Ware. Ware deflected a pass by quarterback Trent Edwards and Newman returned it for a 70-yard gain in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown pass by Tony Romo as the Cowboys were down 24–16. The Cowboys defeated the Bills after a last second 37-yard field goal by Nick Folk and advanced to a 5–0 record.[28] On December 19, 2007, it was announced that Newman was named to the 2008 Pro Bowl as part of the NFC team.[29] Newman finished the season with 50 combined tackles (44 solo), 13 passes defensed, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a touchdown in 13 games and 11 starts.[14]

2008

[edit]

On March 20, 2008, the Dallas Cowboys signed Newman to a six-year, $50.20 million contract that included $22.50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $12 million.[30][31]

Newman entered training camp slated as the No. 1 cornerback, but was unable to participate due to a groin injury. He was replaced by newly-acquired free agent Adam Jones and rookie first round draft pick Mike Jenkins. He was inactive for the Cowboys' season-opening victory in Cleveland. Newman aggravated his groin injury and missed the next five games (Week 5–9). On October 10, Newman underwent sports hernia surgery.[32] He returned in Week 12 and recorded a season-high seven combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 14–10 victory in Washington. On December 14, Newman collected six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two of Eli Manning's passes in the Cowboys' 20–8 victory over the New York Giants in Week 15. He completed the 2008 season with 37 combined tackles (32 solo), 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions in ten games, all of which he started.[14]

2009

[edit]

Head coach Wade Phillips retained Newman as the No. 1 starting cornerback to start the 2009 regular season, alongside Mike Jenkins.[33] He started in the Dallas Cowboys' season-opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and recorded a season-high nine combined tackles in their 34–21 victory. On September 28, 2009, Newman collected four combined tackles, two pass deflections, and returned an interception during a 21–7 victory in Week 3. He intercepted a pass by Jake Delhomme and returned for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[34] Newman completed the 2009 season with 57 combined tackles (52 solo), a career-high 18 pass deflections, three interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[14]

The Dallas Cowboys finished atop The NFC East with an 11–5 record. The Cowboys went on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 24–17 in the NFC Wildcard Game and reached the NFC Divisional Round. On January 17, 2010, Newman started in the NFC Divisional Round and recorded eight combined tackles during a 34–3 loss at the Minnesota Vikings. On January 20, 2010, Newman was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl after Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie sustained an injury.[35]

2010

[edit]

Newman and Jenkins returned as the starting cornerbacks to begin the 2010 season.[36] On October 25, 2010, Newman made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 41–35 loss at the New York Giants in Week 5. He intercepted a pass by Eli Manning and sustained a rib injury during the 30-yard return. He reportedly played through the injury for the remainder of the season.[37][38] On November 9, 2010, the Dallas Cowboys fired head coach Wade Phillips after they fell to a 1–7 record. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[39] On November 25, 2010, Newman recorded a season-high eight solo tackles and a pass deflection in the Cowboys' 30–27 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 12. In Week 17, Newman made six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback Kevin Kolb during a 14–13 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles.[40] He finished the season with a career-high 79 combined tackles (77 solo), nine pass deflections, and a career-high five interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[14] Pro Football Focus ranked him 86th among 100 qualifying cornerbacks in 2010.[41]

2011

[edit]

On August 3, 2011, Newman sustained a groin injury during practice and was forced to miss the entire preseason and first two regular season games (Weeks 1–2).[38] Due to his injury, head coach Jason Garrett named Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season.[42] In Week 8, Newman recorded a season-high six solo tackles during a 34–7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.[43] On November 13, 2011, Newman made three combined tackles, two pass deflections, intercepted two passes by Ryan Fitzpatrick, and returned one for a touchdown in the Cowboys' 44–7 victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10.[44] He completed the 2011 season with 53 combined tackles (45 solo), 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, and a touchdown in 14 games and 14 starts.[14] Newman was ranked 97th among the 109 qualifying cornerbacks in 2011 by Pro Football Focus.[41]

2012

[edit]

On March 13, 2012, the Dallas Cowboys released Newman in a salary cap related decision that freed up $4 to $6 million in cap space.[45]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

On April 11, 2012, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Newman to a one-year, $825,000 contract with $150,000 guaranteed.[11][9] The signing reunited him with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who he played under from 20032006.[46]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a job as a starting cornerback against Leon Hall, Jason Allen, Dre Kirkpatrick, Nate Clements, and Adam Jones. All six players were former first round picks from 2001 to 2012.[47][48] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Newman the third cornerback on the depth chart and first-team nickelback to begin the season, behind Leon Hall and Nate Clements.[49][50]

On September 16, 2012, Newman collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) during a 34–27 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. In Week 6, he tied his season-high of ten combined tackles (seven solo) in the Bengals' 34–24 loss at the Cleveland Browns. On November 4, 2012, Newman made four combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by Peyton Manning during a 31–23 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 9.[51] He was inactive for the Bengals' Week 17 victory against the Baltimore Ravens due to a groin injury.[52] Newman finished the 2012 season with 75 tackles (53 solo), ten passes defensed (led the team), two interceptions, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 15 games and 15 starts.[14]

2013

[edit]

Newman became an unrestricted free agent after having a productive season in 2012 and attended a private meeting with the Oakland Raiders where he received a contract offer.[53] On April 1, 2013, the Cincinnati Bengals re-signed Newman to a two-year, $5 million contract with $1.40 million guaranteed.[9][54]

Newman entered training camp slated as a starting cornerback after the Bengals opted to not re-sign Nate Clements. Head coach Marvin Lewis officially named Newman and Leon Hall the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season, ahead of Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones.[55] In Week 3, Newman recorded a season-high six solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during a 34–30 victory against the Green Bay Packers.[56] He was inactive for three games (Weeks 15–17) after spraining his MCL in Week 14.[57] He completed the season with 52 combined tackles (45 solo), 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.[14]

2014

[edit]

Newman entered camp slated as a starting cornerback, but saw minor competition for his job from Adam Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick, and 2014 first round draft pick Darqueze Dennard.[58] Head coach Marvin Lewis opted to retain Newman and Leon Hall as the starting cornerbacks to begin the 2014 regular season.[59]

Newman at training camp with the Bengals in 2014

In Week 2, Newman collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) and three pass deflections during a 24–10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 10, he made five combined tackles before exiting in the third quarter of the Bengals' 24–3 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Newman injured his chest during the game and was inactive for the Bengals' Week 11 victory at the Cleveland Browns.[60] Newman was also sidelined for the Bengals' Week 15 victory at the New Orleans Saints.[61] He started in Week 16, but went on to be sidelined for a Week 17 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers during their season finale.[62][60] He completed the 2014 season with 72 combined tackles (48 solo), 14 pass deflections, and an interception in 13 games and 13 starts.[14] Newman earned the 56th highest overall grade among 108 qualified cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus in 2014.[63]

The Cincinnati Bengals finished second in the AFC North with a 10–5–1 record and clinched a wildcard berth. On January 4, 2015, Newman started in the AFC Wildcard Game and recorded three solo tackles and a pass deflection during a 26–10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. This was his last appearance with the Cincinnati Bengals.[62]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

On March 27, 2015, the Minnesota Vikings signed Newman to a one-year, $2.50 million contract with $750,000 guaranteed.[64] He selected to join the Vikings and reunite with head coach Mike Zimmer. Newman played under Zimmer with three different teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (20032006), Cincinnati Bengals (20122014), and Minnesota Vikings.[65][66]

Throughout training camp, Newman competed for a job as a starting cornerback against Captain Munnerlyn and 2015 rookie first round pick Trae Waynes.[67] Head coach Mike Zimmer named Newman a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, along with Xavier Rhodes.[68]

Newman made his Minnesota Vikings' regular season debut in their season-opener at the San Francisco 49ers and recorded seven solo tackles in their 20–3 loss. On November 15, 2015, Newman recorded four combined tackles, a career-high five pass deflections, and made two interceptions during a 30–14 victory at the Oakland Raiders in Week 10. He intercepted his second pass of the day off a touchdown pass attempt by quarterback Derek Carr that was originally intended for wide receiver Andre Holmes in the endzone and secured it for a touchback in the fourth quarter as the Vikings led 23–14.[69] The pick sealed their victory and earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Newman also earned the distinction of being the second player in league history to have multiple interceptions in a single game after the age of 37.[14] Newman finished the 2015 season with 62 combined tackles (52 solo), 12 passes defensed, and three interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[14]

2016

[edit]

On March 18, 2016, the Minnesota Vikings signed Newman to a $2.50 million contract with $1.10 million guaranteed.[70][71]

During training camp, Newman competed against Trae Waynes to keep his role as a starting cornerback.[72] Defensive coordinator George Edwards retained Newman and Xavier Rhodes as the starting cornerback duo to begin the regular season. Waynes filled in at starter for the first two games due to a knee injury to Xavier Rhodes. Newman became the second oldest active defensive player in the league in 2016 after the retirement of Charles Woodson during the offseason. The only defensive player in the league older than Newman was Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker James Harrison who was four months older.[73][74] He started in the Minnesota Vikings' season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded a season-high seven combined tackles during a 25–16 victory. In Week 10, Newman began rotating with Trae Waynes and started in two of the last seven games.[75] Newman was inactive for the Vikings' Week 12 loss at the Detroit Lions after injuring his neck the previous week.[76] He ended the 2016 season with 38 combined tackles (33 solo), eight passes defended, and an interception in 15 games and ten starts[77] He earned an overall grade of 86.4 and was ranked ninth among qualified cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus in 2016.[78]

2017

[edit]

On March 15, 2017, the Minnesota Vikings re-signed Newman to a one-year, $3.25 million contract that includes $1.50 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $500,000.[11][79]

During training camp, Newman competed against Mackensie Alexander to be the first-team nickelback after it was left vacant due to the departure of Captain Munnerlyn.[80] Head coach Mike Zimmer named Newman the third cornerback on the depth chart and first-team nickelback to begin the season, behind Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.[81][82] On October 15, 2017, Newman recorded a season-high five combined tackles during a 23–10 win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. In Week 15, he made a solo tackle, a season-high two pass deflections, and an interception during a 34–7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.[83] He finished his 2017 campaign with 35 combined tackles (25 solo), five passes defended, and an interception in 16 games and seven starts.[84]

The Minnesota Vikings finished atop the NFC North with a 13–3 record, clinching a first round bye and home-field advantage.[85] They reached the NFC Championship Game after defeating the New Orleans Saints 29–24 in the NFC Divisional Round.[86] On January 21, 2018, Newman started in the NFC Championship Game and record four solo tackles in the Vikings' 38–7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.[87]

2018

[edit]

On April 30, 2018, the Minnesota Vikings signed Newman to a one-year, $1.10 million contract.[11][88]

On September 1, 2018, Newman announced his retirement from the NFL, and immediately joined the Vikings coaching staff.[89]

The Vikings waived Newman from their reserve/retired list on January 7, 2020, and worked him out later that week. He was not signed to a contract.[90][91]

NFL career statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2003 DAL 16 16 76 66 10 1.0 0 1 0 4 23 5.8 25 0 21
2004 DAL 16 16 68 64 4 0.0 2 0 0 4 31 7.8 21 0 15
2005 DAL 16 16 59 56 3 1.0 1 1 0 3 16 5.3 12 0 17
2006 DAL 16 16 63 53 10 0.0 0 0 0 1 12 12.0 12 0 12
2007 DAL 13 11 50 44 6 0.0 1 0 0 4 129 32.2 70 1 13
2008 DAL 10 10 37 32 5 0.0 0 1 0 4 2 0.5 2 0 11
2009 DAL 16 16 57 52 5 0.0 3 0 0 3 36 12.0 27 1 18
2010 DAL 16 16 79 77 2 0.0 0 1 1 5 16 3.2 30 0 9
2011 DAL 14 14 53 45 8 0.0 0 1 7 4 80 20.0 43 1 8
2012 CIN 15 15 75 53 22 0.0 0 2 8 2 0 0.0 0 0 10
2013 CIN 13 13 52 45 7 0.0 0 1 58 2 8 4.0 9 0 11
2014 CIN 13 13 72 48 24 0.0 0 0 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 14
2015 MIN 16 16 62 52 10 0.0 0 0 0 3 4 1.3 4 0 12
2016 MIN 15 10 38 33 5 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 8
2017 MIN 16 7 35 25 10 0.0 0 0 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 5
Career 221 205 876 745 131 2.0 6 11 74 42 363 8.6 70 3 184

NFL records

[edit]
  • One of two cornerbacks to have 2 INT's in a single game at the age of 37: Deion Sanders, 2004

Coaching career

[edit]

On September 1, 2018, Newman retired from football to join the Vikings coaching staff.[92] In 2020 he worked out for the Vikings, eyeing a possible comeback as a player, but was not signed.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Terence Newman (born September 4, 1978) is an American former professional football who played 15 seasons in the (NFL) from 2003 to 2017. Drafted fifth overall in the first round of the by the out of , Newman appeared in 221 games with 205 starts across his career. He recorded 42 interceptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns, along with two selections in 2007 and 2009. At Kansas State University, Newman played defensive back for the Wildcats from 1999 to 2002, earning consensus All-American honors in 2002 as both a cornerback and return specialist. That senior season, he led the Big 12 Conference in kickoff return average (28.5 yards) and recorded two punt return touchdowns, while also notching five interceptions on defense. A two-time All-Big 12 selection, Newman's versatility extended to track and field, where he competed in sprints and qualified for NCAA Indoor Nationals in the 60-meter dash. He was inducted into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. Newman's NFL career began with the Cowboys, where he spent nine seasons (2003–2011) and established himself as a shutdown corner, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in his debut season. He later played three seasons with the (2012–2014), contributing five interceptions, before joining the Minnesota Vikings for his final three years (2015–2017), reuniting with for the third time in his career. Known for his longevity and technique despite his 5-foot-10 stature, Newman started 15 or more games in 11 of his 15 seasons. Following his playing days, Newman retired on September 1, 2018, and immediately transitioned to the ' coaching staff as defensive backs coach for the 2018 season. In June 2025, he was named to the ballot for the 2026 class.

Early life and education

Early life

Terence Newman was born on September 4, 1978, in . He grew up in a working-class household led by his mother, Wanda Newman, who worked two jobs to support the family, including Newman and his older sister. The family's limited financial resources shaped his early determination to pursue opportunities through athletics, viewing a as a pathway out of hardship. As a child, Newman faced significant adversity in his Salina neighborhood, where he was often bullied due to his small stature and slight build, earning him the label of "the runt." He frequently had to flee confrontations after attempting to defend himself, which honed his speed and resilience; for instance, he regularly outran a neighborhood chow dog that chased him, and he escaped playground fights by running away. These experiences built his mental toughness, as he later reflected, "That’s where I built my resiliency. Especially my speed. You can’t fight everybody. A lot of those fights, I had to run away from." A pivotal moment came in a sixth- or seventh-grade game in McPherson, Kansas, when Newman, despite his size, tackled a much larger running back, igniting his confidence in football. Newman's early athletic development began in local youth programs, where he discovered his passion for multiple sports. He played football as a , enjoying the physicality and team environment despite his undersized frame. This initial involvement laid the foundation for his speed-based skills, which he further refined through informal play and determination to overcome his physical limitations. By the end of his pre-high school years, these experiences had solidified his commitment to athletics as a means of personal growth.

High school career

Terence Newman attended Salina Central High School in , graduating in 1998. Newman was a standout multi-sport at Salina Central, competing in football as a and , , , and events including sprints and jumps. He lettered as a junior and senior in football, three times each in and , and once in for the Mustangs. In football, Newman earned Class 5A all-state honors as a senior, recording 45 tackles and a team-high five interceptions while returning 13 punts for two touchdowns. His performance as a 5-foot-11, 160-pound defender highlighted his speed and coverage skills, earning him All-Class 5A recognition. In , he set school records in the 100-meter dash (10.22 seconds) and won state championships in the 200-meter dash (21.65 seconds) and 400-meter dash (48.78 seconds) during his senior year in 1998. Despite overcoming early life bullying, Newman excelled academically and athletically, drawing initial college recruitment interest as a lightly recruited prospect. He received an offer from and committed there, enrolling in 1998.

College career

Freshman year (1999)

As a true in 1999, Terence Newman earned immediate playing time under head coach at , forgoing a redshirt season to contribute on the depth chart. Primarily serving as a backup , he appeared in all 11 games, recording one for eight yards while focusing heavily on special teams duties as a kick returner, where he handled seven returns for 209 yards at an average of 29.9 yards per return. His debut contributions helped the Wildcats' defense, which allowed just 12.5 points per game en route to an 11-1 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the Big 12, culminating in a 24-20 victory over Washington in the Holiday Bowl. Newman, who had been one of the top 20 football recruits in the nation coming out of Salina High School in , faced the challenge of adapting to college football's physical demands. Initially struggling to maintain his playing weight during his first two seasons, he focused on gaining strength and mass through targeted conditioning, which allowed him to better withstand the rigors of Big 12 competition and build a foundation for future roles on the team.

Sophomore year (2000)

In his sophomore year of 2000, Terence Newman transitioned into a full-time starting for the , appearing in all 13 games of the season and contributing significantly on special teams as both a punt and kickoff returner. Building on his adjustment to the college game, Newman showcased growing versatility, recording 20 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and 1 for 4 yards. His special teams contributions included 3 kickoff returns for 44 yards, as well as returning a blocked punt 16 yards for a against . Newman's breakout performances were particularly evident in key conference matchups against rivals. In the November 11 upset victory over (29-28), he secured an returned for 13 yards, aiding the defense in containing the Cornhuskers' high-powered offense during a season-defining win that helped secure a share of the Big 12 North Division title. Another highlight came on October 14 against , where Newman scooped a blocked punt and returned it 16 yards for a , providing a critical score in a high-stakes 41-31 loss to the eventual . The Wildcats finished the regular season with an 11-3 overall record and 6-2 mark in Big 12 play under head coach , tying for first in the North Division and earning a berth in the . Newman played in the January 1, 2001, bowl game against , contributing to Kansas State's 35-21 victory that capped the campaign and solidified the team's status as a top-10 program (9th in final ).

Junior year (2001)

As a junior in , Terence Newman emerged as a key full-time starter in the ' secondary, building on his breakout to anchor the defense throughout all 11 games. He tallied 3 interceptions—including a career-high 2 in a single game against —along with 14 pass breakups, contributing significantly to the team's pass defense amid broader offensive challenges. Newman's standout play earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors from both the conference coaches and the , as well as recognition as a semifinalist for the , given to the nation's top . These accolades highlighted his growing national profile and rising NFL draft stock, positioning him as a potential early entrant before he opted to return for his senior season. On special teams, Newman handled kick return duties, recording 9 returns for 211 yards (23.4 average), while the Wildcats finished with a 6-6 overall record and 3-5 in Big 12 play, hampered by an offense that averaged just 136.1 passing yards per game on 44.0% completions and threw 16 interceptions. Despite the team's mediocrity, Newman's individual excellence provided a defensive bright spot in a marked by inconsistency.

Senior year (2002)

In his senior year at Kansas State in 2002, Terence Newman solidified his status as one of the nation's elite defensive backs, earning consensus All-American honors for his shutdown coverage and playmaking ability. He recorded 44 tackles, five interceptions for 21 yards, and a team-leading 14 pass breakups, while also forcing at least one fumble during the season. Newman's defensive contributions were pivotal in limiting opponents' passing attacks, as he focused increasingly on duties rather than his previous roles in the return game, where his involvement declined to 26 punt returns for 388 yards and two touchdowns, plus 13 kickoff returns for 370 yards and one touchdown. Newman's standout performance culminated in him winning the as the top in , recognizing his combination of coverage skills, ball skills, and overall impact on the Wildcats' secondary. Building on his junior-year accolades, this honor marked the peak of his college career and underscored his leadership in a defense that helped Kansas State achieve an 11-2 record, including a 6-2 mark in the Big 12. The season concluded with a victory in the Holiday Bowl, where the Wildcats defeated Arizona State 34-27, further highlighting Newman's role in the team's postseason success. As the season wrapped, Newman turned his attention to the , preparing rigorously for the 2003 NFL Combine in , where he aimed to showcase his versatility and speed to solidify his position as a top prospect. His decision to declare for the draft was a natural progression following his senior campaign, positioning him as one of the premier defensive backs available and ultimately leading to his selection as the fifth overall pick.

Professional playing career

Dallas Cowboys (2003–2011)

The Dallas Cowboys selected Terence Newman in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2003 NFL Draft. On July 24, 2003, he signed a six-year rookie contract worth $18.41 million, including a $6.501 million signing bonus. As a rookie under head coach Bill Parcells, Newman started all 16 games for the 1-15 Cowboys, recording 76 combined tackles and four interceptions while earning Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie honors. Newman's tenure peaked during the mid-2000s amid coaching transitions, including from 2003 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2010. He contributed to playoff appearances in 2006, 2007, and 2009, starting both postseason games in 2009. Under Phillips, Newman earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections for the 2007 and 2009 seasons, leading the Cowboys' secondary in interceptions multiple times, including a career-high five in 2010. In 2009, he intercepted three passes, one returned for a touchdown, helping anchor a defense that advanced to the NFC Divisional Round. Injuries hampered Newman's availability later in his Cowboys career, including a sports in 2008 that caused him to miss six games, for which he underwent on 10. A groin strain and subsequent sports in 2011 limited him to 10 games, his fewest in a full season. Despite these setbacks, he remained a starter for nine seasons, amassing 595 combined tackles and 32 interceptions—tied for third in franchise history among cornerbacks—before the released him on March 13, 2012, as part of a youth movement in the secondary under new head coach .

Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2014)

Following his initial one-year contract with the in 2012, veteran Terence Newman re-signed with the team on March 30, 2013, to a two-year, $5 million deal that included $1.4 million in guarantees. This agreement came after Newman's release from the earlier in his career, where he had earned two selections earlier in the decade. Installed as an immediate starter opposite fellow Leon under head coach , Newman provided stability to the Bengals' secondary during the 2013 season, appearing in 13 games with 2 interceptions while contributing to a defense that ranked 7th in total yards allowed (5,235) and 4th in points allowed (305). His consistent coverage helped the Bengals secure the division title with an 11-5 record and a playoff berth, marking their third consecutive postseason appearance. In 2014, Newman's role remained pivotal as a rotational veteran in the Bengals' defensive scheme coordinated by Paul Guenther, starting 12 of 13 games and recording 1 interception alongside 9 passes defensed. Over the two seasons from 2013 to 2014, he totaled 3 interceptions in 26 appearances, aiding a unit that again ranked in the top 10 league-wide—10th in yards allowed (5,509) and 7th in points allowed (344)—en route to another 11-5 finish and wild-card playoff spot, though they fell to the in the postseason. As younger talents like and rookie first-round pick emerged, Newman's snaps decreased slightly from 2013, reflecting an evolution toward a capacity where he guided inexperienced defensive backs on technique and game preparation. Newman's tenure with the Bengals concluded after the 2014 campaign, as he entered unrestricted free agency in March 2015 without a new offer from , subsequently signing with the Minnesota Vikings later that month. Across his three seasons in (2012–2014), he played in 41 regular-season games, starting 41, and tallied 5 interceptions while serving as a reliable veteran presence on defenses that consistently ranked among the NFL's elite under .

Minnesota Vikings (2015–2017)

On March 10, 2015, the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran cornerback Terence Newman to a one-year contract, reuniting him with head coach , who had previously served as his defensive coordinator during Newman's tenure with the (2003–2006) and (2012–2013). In his first season with the Vikings, Newman started all 16 games, recording 51 combined tackles, one interception (including two in a single game against the ), and ten passes defended while playing 68% of defensive snaps, contributing to a defense that ranked fourth in points allowed (18.9) en route to an 11-5 record and an NFC Wild Card berth, though they lost to the in the playoffs. Newman re-signed with the Vikings on March 18, 2016, for another one-year, $3 million contract. In his second season, he started 10 of 15 games, recording 38 combined tackles, one , and eight passes defended while playing 77% of defensive snaps, contributing to a defense that ranked among the league's best in pass defense. His performance earned him a ninth-place ranking among cornerbacks by , highlighting his continued effectiveness at age 38 despite a career marked by prior stints as a reliable but aging with the Bengals. Newman re-signed with the on March 15, , for another one-year deal, continuing his role in the secondary as a rotational player and mentor. During the regular season, he appeared in all 16 games with seven starts, tallying 35 combined tackles, one (his 42nd career pick, against former teammate of the Bengals), and five passes defended across 56% of defensive snaps. Newman also played in both Vikings playoff games, starting the NFC Wild Card victory over the and the NFC Championship loss to the , where he added five tackles. His steady presence helped stabilize a secondary during a resurgent season that saw advance to the for the first time since 2009. The Vikings re-signed Newman on April 30, 2018, to a one-year contract, positioning him as the oldest active defensive player in the NFL at age 39 (turning 40 in September). However, on September 1, 2018—prior to the start of the regular season—Newman announced his retirement after 15 NFL seasons, immediately transitioning to the Vikings' coaching staff as the team's nickel package defensive backs coach. Over his three seasons with Minnesota, Newman appeared in 47 regular-season games and three postseason contests, recording three interceptions and providing veteran leadership during a defensive rebuild under Zimmer.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Over his 15-season career from 2003 to 2017, Terence Newman played in 221 games, starting 205, and amassed 879 combined tackles (749 solo, 130 assisted), 42 , 183 passes defended, 2.0 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries. His contributions as a were particularly notable in interception production, ranking him tied for 67th all-time in interceptions at the time of his . In terms of advanced metrics, Newman's career Approximate Value (AV) totaled 98, with a career-high of 12 in 2009 while earning honors, reflecting his consistent impact in coverage and run support. The table below provides a year-by-year breakdown of his key regular season statistics, including combined tackles, interceptions, passes defended, sacks, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries, grouped by team.
YearTeamGGSCombIntPDSkFFFR
20031616764201.001
20041616704150.020
20051616603171.014
20061616631120.000
20071311504120.010
20081010374110.001
20091616573180.030
2010161679590.001
2011141453480.001
2012CIN1515752110.012
2013CIN1313522110.001
2014CIN1313721140.000
2015MIN1616623120.000
2016MIN151038180.000
2017MIN16735150.000
Career3TM221205879421832.0811

Postseason

Newman appeared in 10 postseason games over his career, starting nine, with the , , and Minnesota Vikings. He recorded 32 total tackles (32 solo, 0 assisted), five passes defended, and no interceptions during playoff action. With the , Newman made four playoff appearances in the 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2009 seasons, playing five games in total. In the 2003 NFC Wild Card round at the , he recorded 5 tackles in a 29-10 loss. In the 2006 NFC Wild Card round against the , he contributed a key tip on a pass intended for , which safety Roy Williams intercepted in the end zone to prevent a and keep the game close in a 21-20 loss. The following year, in the 2007 divisional round versus the , Newman had 0 tackles in a 21-17 defeat. During the 2009 postseason, he started both the Wild Card victory over the (34-14, 1 tackle) and the divisional loss to the Minnesota Vikings (34-3, 4 tackles). Newman participated in two playoff games with the Bengals after the 2012 and 2014 seasons, both Wild Card losses; he was inactive for the 2013 Wild Card due to injury. In the 2012 AFC Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans, he recorded 7 tackles in a 19-13 defeat. After the 2014 season, against the , Newman tallied 3 tackles in a 26-10 loss. Newman appeared in three postseason games with the , after the 2015 and 2017 seasons. In the 2015 NFC Wild Card against the , he had 1 tackle in a 10-9 loss. In his final postseason stint after the 2017 season, Newman played and started both games en route to the NFC Championship. He notched 1 tackle in the divisional win over the (29-24) and 4 tackles in the NFC title game loss to the (7-38).

Awards and honors

College achievements

During his time at , Terence Newman earned All-Big 12 honors in both 2001 and 2002, receiving second-team recognition as a in 2001 and first-team honors in 2002 as both a and kick returner. In his senior year, he was also selected as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after recording 54 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. He was named to the and All-Decade (2000s) teams. Newman garnered national acclaim in 2002 as a consensus All-American and winner of the , which is presented annually to the outstanding in . Over his four-year career from 1999 to 2002, Newman tallied 10 interceptions for 33 yards and excelled on special teams with 27 punt returns for 417 yards and 3 touchdowns, tying for the Big 12 career lead in punt return touchdowns; in 2002 alone, he recorded 388 kickoff return yards on 26 returns. Newman contributed to the 2002 ' Holiday Bowl victory over Arizona State, 34–27, as part of a team that finished 11–2. His contributions to Wildcat football were later honored with induction into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

Professional accolades

Newman earned two selections during his career, in 2007 after recording 50 combined tackles, four interceptions, and 12 passes defended for the , and in 2009 following a season with 57 tackles, three interceptions, and 18 passes defended. He was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2003 and finished second in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2017, Newman achieved his 200th career regular-season start with the Minnesota Vikings, a milestone that underscored his remarkable longevity as a starting over 15 NFL seasons. That same year, at age 39, he recorded one of his two interceptions for the season—his 42nd career —becoming one of the oldest defensive backs to achieve the feat in league history.

Hall of Fame recognition

Terence Newman was inducted into the Kansas State Ring of Honor in 2008, recognizing his transformative contributions to the Wildcats' football program during his college career from 1999 to 2002. In 2021, Newman received induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a Salina native who excelled in multiple sports at Salina Central High School before becoming a standout at and in the NFL. Newman's impact on the Kansas State program, where he helped elevate the team's defensive prowess and contributed to multiple successful seasons, led to his nomination on the 2026 ballot, announced by the National Football Foundation on June 2, 2025. As of November 2025, Newman has not yet been nominated to the , though his 15-season career, marked by longevity and consistent performance as a with 876 tackles and 42 interceptions, positions him as a potential modern-era eligible since 2023.

Post-playing career

Coaching career

Following his retirement from playing on September 1, 2018, Terence Newman immediately transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff as the nickel/defensive backs coach under head coach . In this role, Newman drew on his extensive experience as a to mentor young defensive backs, including Mike Hughes, whom he praised for his potential and worked closely with during practices and film sessions. Newman's contributions helped bolster the Vikings' secondary during the 2018 season, as the team's defense ranked fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed at 309.7 per game. The unit performed solidly despite offensive challenges, contributing to Minnesota's 8-7-1 regular-season record. Newman served only one season in the role before departing the ' staff after the 2018 campaign. He chose to leave coaching to prioritize family life, returning to to raise his young daughter.

Later life

After retiring from his brief coaching stint with the Minnesota Vikings following the 2018 season, Terence Newman relocated to around 2019 to focus on raising his family. There, he welcomed his Ariya, born circa 2019, and has since prioritized her upbringing alongside maintaining a balanced personal life away from professional football. In a 2022 , Newman emphasized his commitment to parenthood, stating, "Now, I have this little girl and she takes the majority of my time. I just want to make her smile every day, all day," highlighting his deliberate choice to avoid the travel demands of in favor of being present for his daughter and her mother. This shift allowed him to explore ventures outside football, such as investments, while underscoring a newfound emphasis on work-life balance after a 15-year playing career. Newman has shown no interest in returning to or playing, opting instead for a more private existence centered on family. Newman maintains a limited but ongoing connection to football through occasional involvement with his alma mater, , including plans to attend events like the Legends Classic at . In June 2025, he was added to the ballot for the 2026 class. He has also made select media appearances, such as a 2021 Q&A discussing his career and a 2022 profile reflecting on his transition to family life, where he occasionally provides insights on NFL topics drawn from his experience as a two-time Pro Bowler.

References

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