Terence Newman announces retirement, to join Vikings coaching staff

The 39-year old cornerback announced his retirement on Saturday, allowing the Vikings to keep some of their young talent while keeping a vital mentor in their corner.

Roster cutdown day is always a difficult day for decision makers of an NFL team. After making the difficult decision to cut defensive end Brian Robison after an 11-year stint with the team, the Vikings had another task on their hands trying to decide what to do with their secondary.

With so many young, talented backs on the roster like Mackensie Alexander, Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, general manager Rick Spielman had to weigh whether it was worth trimming some of the veteran players on the team or keeping the younger talent with more upside.

In this case, the decision was made for them as veteran cornerback Terence Newman announced his retirement this afternoon. As part of the announcement, the Vikings revealed that he would join the Vikings’ coaching staff.

Newman’s announcement caps off a remarkable career after being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. The now 39-year old Newman would go on to have a 15-year career including nine years with the Cowboys and three each with the Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. He was also named to two Pro Bowls during his career.

Throughout his time in the league, Newman was basically tied to the hip with Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, playing for him for four seasons in Dallas (2003-06), and all three seasons in Cincinnati and Minnesota.

By shifting Newman to the sidelines, the benefits are clear from both sides. The Vikings can now keep Hill without having to risk putting him through waivers to sneak him on the practice squad and Newman’s experience will come in handy as the impressive Vikings’ secondary becomes acclimated to the NFL.