Terence Newman: The positive energy a defense needs

Terence Newman is already entering his third, and what might very be his last year with the Minnesota Vikings. After spending nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, three with the Cincinnati Bengals and now what will be three with the Vikings, Newman is likely to hang it up and call it a career after his 15th season.

Newman was the Cowboys’ fifth overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He was a good corner who would often draw tough coverage calls against guys like Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens (when he wasn’t a Cowboy). Newman has a knack for clutch interceptions and has had three or more interceptions in nine of his fourteen seasons.

The seasoned vet is taking on a slightly different role as he is now in the back end of his career. Terence Newman is used to playing every down and contributing every play, but with the Vikings hopeful Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander elevate their level of play this year, Newman will be looking at a role where he contributes on special packages on defense. He also understands his other role, perhaps his most important role, and that is the leadership he provides to this secondary.

“You think about Terence he has played every position in the secondary for us. I mean he has played safety, he has played corner and he has even played nickel. I mean his versatility for us in that group is definitely a plus. He is an unselfish guy, a true professional. Whatever you ask him to do, he’s going to go out there and do whatever you ask him to do,” defensive coordinator George Edwards responded when asked about what Newman brings to his defense.

Harrison Smith was also quick to offer up how Terence was a leader to the younger secondary guys.

“You know it’s not always what you do on a play but its habits, it’s how he takes care of himself off the field, things he does in the offseason and how to watch film the right way. He does have experience everywhere and can play all over and he is just a wealth of knowledge so everyone on the team is very lucky to have him,” Smith said.

Terence Newman graded out as the ninth best cornerback in the league according to Pro Football Focus, despite being 38 years old. Newman has proven that father time has not caught up to him yet, but has acknowledged a few times throughout the offseason that this will be his final go around in the NFL. If he has a season like he did last year, can he really walk away? I guess we’ll have to see a year from now when camp opens up outside of Mankato for the first time in Vikings history.