Old Man Newman Hangs Up His Cleats, Takes on New Role
JackDay19
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Terence Newman, who was set to enter his 16th season as a cornerback in the National Football League, announced his retirement on Saturday afternoon when the Vikings were releasing their 53-man roster.
The 39-year-old corner found a lot of success over the last decade and a half racking up 42 interceptions, 876 tackles and eight forced fumbles. Being able to play the game of football passed the age of 35 is hard enough at any position, but Newman did it at arguably the most difficult position in the game.
Although he is retiring, the Vikings announced that Newman is set to join their coaching staff effective immediately. Newman has played under Mike Zimmer in all three of the organizations that he has been a part of, so it is fitting for Newman to be taken under his wing to start his coaching career.
The young group of cornerbacks that remain on the Vikings roster consist of Xavier Rhodes (28), Trae Waynes (26), Mackensie Alexander (24), Mike Hughes (21), Holton Hill (21) and Marcus Sherels (30). This is an already talented group that Zimmer is always looking to make better, and that is where the addition of Newman comes in.
Since 2015, Newman has been the “grandpa” of the Vikings defense, a role that he can continue to be on the coaching staff. The cornerbacks have their set starters in Rhodes and Waynes, but there is a lot of talent behind them that needs to grow in order for them to remain one of the deepest groups in the league.
Zimmer is known for being a cornerback whisperer, so it only seems fitting that one of his oldest prodigies is joining his defensive coaching staff. Newman could end up playing a vital role in the development of an already great defense.
The combination of defensive backs brain power between Zimmer and Newman should be able to take this group even further than years past. The development of the younger corners is going to be necessary for success this season, which is why this move makes sense for the team.
Although it may be sad to see the old man hang up his helmet and shoulder pads, it seems as if he has found a great fit in coaching under the coach that he learned from over the last 15 seasons.