Zimmer on Newman: ‘Better be careful not to wake up that bear’

The veteran cornerback apparently got a little vocal during the Minnesota Vikings’ most recent OTA practice on Tuesday.

When the Minnesota Vikings opted to re-sign cornerback Terence Newman for another year this offseason, some wondered why the team wanted to bring back a player who will turn 39-years-old a week before the Vikings’ first regular season game this year. But despite his age, Newman has continued to play at a high level during his past two seasons in Minnesota.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has worked with the veteran corner on numerous occasions in the past and the coach knows what Newman can still bring to the table. Zimmer also knows the cornerback is far from afraid to back down from someone who wants to talk a little trash with him.

"“Terence is a guy that has an awful lot of pride and if you want to talk a little noise to him, he’s going to take your challenge. So (you) better be careful not to wake up that bear.”"

Minnesota’s head coach was referring to Newman reportedly being more vocal than usual during the team’s OTA practice on Tuesday. Something Vikings’ wide receiver Stefon Diggs apparently brought out in him.

Newman’s partner in Minnesota’s defensive backfield, Xavier Rhodes, also spoke on Tuesday about the veteran chirping a bit more on the practice field than normal.

"“Terence was pretty hyped up today. We love to see that. A guy like that, he (has) always been a mellow, chill guy and today he was like, ‘forget it, I’m going to get out there and be competitive and be loud today.’ So that got us riled up today.”"

So as Newman approaches his 15th season in the NFL, the Minnesota cornerback still seems like he has plenty of fire burning inside to keep his play at a high level. And this year, he is apparently making sure everyone knows about it.

Next: Three Vikings posed for a breakout season in 2017

At least for 2017, age really is nothing but a number for Terence Newman.