Greg Newsome II is a rising star in the NFL. The cornerback for the Cleveland Browns was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has impressed with his performance on the field. But is he related to another famous Newsome in the NFL history? Is he the son or nephew of Ozzie Newsome, the legendary tight end and executive for the Browns and Ravens? The answer is no. Greg Newsome and Ozzie Newsome are not related by blood or marriage. They just happen to share a common surname and a passion for football.
Who is Greg Newsome?
Greg Newsome II was born on May 18, 2000, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois, before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year. He committed to Northwestern University to play college football
At Northwestern, Newsome played for three years and recorded 71 tackles and one interception. He started 18 games and led the Wildcats to two Big Ten title games As a junior in 2020, he was named an All-American by The Athletic After that season, he entered the 2021 NFL Draft
On April 29, 2021, Newsome was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Newsome’s pick marked the first time Northwestern had two first-round picks in the NFL draft after Rashawn Slater was taken 13th overall. He was the fourth cornerback taken in the draft. On July 24, 2021, Newsome signed his four-year rookie contract with Cleveland, worth $12.75 million.
He started all 12 games he appeared in as a rookie. He had 37 total tackles and nine passes defensed. In the 2022 season, he started all 15 games he appeared in. He had .5 sacks, 42 total tackles, and six passes defensed.
Who is Ozzie Newsome?
Ozzie Newsome Jr. was born on March 16, 1956, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He played for Alabama, where he started for all four years of his college career. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Oz,” Newsome made the College Football All-America Team in 1977 and assisted the Crimson Tide to a 42–6 overall record during his four seasons. In total, Newsome amassed 102 receptions for 2,070 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, while also returning 40 punts for 301 yards. His 20.3 average yards per catch was a Southeastern Conference record for over 20 years. Newsome was named the Alabama Player of the Decade for the 1970s. He was a two-time All-SEC player (in 1976 and 1977), and named SEC Lineman of the Year in 1977 by the Birmingham Quarterback Club and the Atlanta Touchdown Club. In 1994, Newsome was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant called him “the greatest end in Alabama history and that includes Don Hutson. A total team player, fine blocker, outstanding leader, great receiver with concentration, speed, hands.”
Newsome was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round with the 23rd overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. He played tight end for the Browns for his entire career from 1978 to 1990. He was a three-time Pro Bowler (in 1981, 1984, and 1985) and a two-time First-team All-Pro (in 1979 and 1984). He also made four Second-team All-Pro selections (in 1980, 1981, 1983, and 1985). He was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and the PFWA All-Rookie Team (in 1978). He holds the Browns franchise records for most career receptions (662), receiving yards (7,980), and receiving touchdowns (47). He is also one of only seven tight ends in NFL history to have more than 600 receptions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
After retiring as a player, Newsome joined the Browns front office as a scout in 1991. He rose through the ranks and became the director of pro personnel in 1994. When the Browns relocated to Baltimore and became the Ravens in 1996, Newsome followed them and became the executive vice president of player personnel. In 2002, he was promoted to general manager, becoming the first African American to hold that position in the NFL. He was instrumental in building the Ravens into a successful franchise, winning two Super Bowls (in 2000 and 2012) and drafting future Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Ogden, and Terrell Suggs. He also made savvy trades and free agent signings, such as acquiring Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith Sr., Elvis Dumervil, and Eric Weddle. He stepped down as general manager after the 2018 season and was succeeded by his longtime assistant Eric DeCosta. He remains with the Ravens as an executive vice president of player personnel.
Conclusion
Greg Newsome and Ozzie Newsome are both accomplished football players and share a common last name, but they are not related in any way. They have different backgrounds, origins, and careers. They have never played for or worked with each other. They are simply two Newsomes who have made their mark in the NFL.
