To many Minnesota Vikings fans, Terence Newman is a veteran to help the young cornerbacks, but his drive to keep playing is fueled by places he’s never been.
Let’s be honest, most NFL players are in the league for one of two major reasons. They are either after the fame and fortune that comes with being a professional athlete, or they want to be the absolute best at their job and win championships. There are some players that fall into both categories, but then there are also guys like Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman.
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Newman is 37 years old and will turn 38 this September. He is the oldest player on the team’s roster and plays one of the most physically demanding positions in the league. In fact, it seems like every year that experts say that Newman could retire, but he’s got two major things pushing him forward according to Vikings.com.
First of all, he wants to leave a mark on the Minnesota Vikings defensive backs. Not only does he have the desire to help the young guys grow and develop, but he sees it almost as an obligation.
"“It’s the code of DBs to pass on as much as you can to everyone and anyone on your team who’s willing to listen,” he said."
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Of course, not all that is selfless. In preparing the rookies and raw players refine their game, he is also pushing the team toward a couple of his own personal goals.
"“I don’t have a Super Bowl. I don’t have an NFC championship. I don’t have any of that,” said Newman. “That’s what I’m chasing. I’ve made a lot of money playing this game. It’s not money. I want a ring.”"
Newman isn’t the only one who wants a Super Bowl ring for the Minnesota Vikings. Fans have been waiting patiently for their team to win the big game for the first time, that it almost seems like an unreachable goal at times.
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When you combine the hard working guys like Terence Newman pushing the entire team to be as great as they can be with smart draft picks and big free agency moves, things haven’t felt this close to something special for the Minnesota Vikings since those magical 2009 or 1998 seasons. Hopefully, Newman and the rest of the team will help make the 2016 season a memorable one as well.