Where Are They Now? Former NFL Defensive Back & Rams Legend Anthony Newman

Anthony Newman was on cloud nine when he was drafted by the Rams in 1988. The safety from the University of Oregon had three reasons to be thrilled: his family could watch him play more easily, he had a friend on the team, and he was living in sunny Southern California.

The Rams’ logo, a symbol of excellence in the NFL

“I’m from Portland, Oregon, and getting drafted on the West Coast, now my parents could watch me play more easily. So I was very happy about that,” said Newman. “And I had a teammate that was on the Rams, a guy named Cliff Hicks. He played at Oregon and was a defensive back, as well.”

Newman’s excitement was palpable, but little did he know that his journey was just beginning. He would soon find himself playing cornerback, a position he had never played before, and learning from veterans like Michael Stewart.

“Michael Stewart was like my big brother,” Newman said. “He really showed me the ropes of what was going on. He was only a second-year player, but I got a lot of information from him. He had a lot of knowledge on and off the field.”

As Newman navigated the challenges of the NFL, he received valuable advice from Jackie Slater, a seasoned veteran who told him to focus on the team rather than individual goals.

Jackie Slater, a Rams legend and mentor to Anthony Newman

Heeding Slater’s advice, Newman went on to collect five interceptions during his first four seasons, including one in Seattle during the 1991 season that he would return 58 yards.

“A lot of my family and friends were there, and it was special because you don’t get to play in front of your family a whole lot in the NFL,” Newman said. “So for them to be there and see that, and then getting an interception…”

Newman’s success continued under Coach Chuck Knox, who took over as the head coach of the Rams in 1992. With Knox at the helm, Newman became the full-time starter at strong safety and co-led the team with a career-high four interceptions.

Chuck Knox, a legendary coach who helped Anthony Newman reach new heights

“Chuck Knox was another good head coach, but he was a legend. I mean, I was in awe of him. He was a guy that’s been around a long time, understood the game,” Newman said. “And then he had a staff around him that was unbelievable. Joe Vitt was probably one of the best coaches I’ve ever had in my life. He really helped me understand the game from a defensive safety. Understand what the offense is trying to do to us.”

One of Newman’s fondest memories from his time with the Rams was playing against his idol, Eric Dickerson, during the 1989 season.

Eric Dickerson, a legendary running back and Anthony Newman’s idol

“Eric Dickerson was my idol growing up. I mean; he was the man. I dressed like him. I did everything like Eric. And I’ll never forget this, there was a nickel situation and I came in the game and had the running back. I looked up and Eric Dickerson was in the running back spot, but he went on a pass route. And I was just standing there when the ball snapped, just looking at him,” Newman said.

After his playing career, Newman went on to give back to his community by starting free camps for kids in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.

The Anthony Newman Sports Camps, a testament to Newman’s commitment to giving back

“What I wanted to do was, come back to my community, start camps, and give the opportunity to kids to get some football IQ, enhance their game, and maybe get more kids (earning a scholarship to get) in college or in the NFL from the state of Oregon,” Newman said.

Today, Newman continues to coach scholastic football in the Portland area and is proud of the impact he’s had on the lives of young athletes.

Anthony Newman, still giving back to the game he loves