Vikings cornerback Terence Newman showed last season that age is just a number, as he was one of the NFL's most consistent players at age 38.
The 2003 first-round pick will turn 39 years old in September and is coming off a season in which he had 45 total tackles (according to coaches' tally) with three tackles for loss and an interception.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press recently chatted with Newman about his expectations for the upcoming season.
The cornerback with 41 career interceptions said he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the Vikings make a deep playoff run.
*With Newman showing no signs of slowing down, the Vikings must figure out how to best use him. In his two previous seasons, he was the starting left cornerback. The Vikings might think Trae Waynes, their first-round draft pick in 2015, is ready to start there. *
*If that becomes the case, Newman could replace Captain Munnerlyn — who signed with Carolina as a free agent — as the nickel back. Newman said he's been rotating with Mackensie Alexander throughout spring drills on the first team, and he was in that spot during an organized team activities session open to the media last Tuesday. *
"I've played both sides at cornerback, safety and nickel since I've been here, so I'm comfortable wherever they put me," Newman said. "I don't care what my role is as long as I have a role."
Newman, who is entering his third season with the Vikings and ninth underHead Coach Mike Zimmer, said he is still driven to play on football's biggest stage.
*Newman's primary motivation is to win a championship ring, something he never has come close to doing. In nine seasons with the Cowboys, three with the Bengals and two with the Vikings, he has appeared in eight playoff games — and been on the winning side just once. *
"My ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl, and that's why I'm still playing,'' Newman said. "I'm grateful that I'm still playing at this age. I've been blessed."
Brooks: Cook could have big impact as rookie
With training camp on the horizon, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com took a look at how a handful of offensive rookies could fare in their first season.
Brooks examined the best and worst case scenario for the rookies and included Vikings running back Dalvin Cook on his list.
Brooks noted Cook, the 41st overall pick in April's draft, could be an early candidate for a major rookie award.
It's uncommon for a second-round pick to be viewed as a frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but that's the case with Cook, who is poised to serve as the Vikings (top running back). The electric back is an explosive inside-outside runner with home-run ability every time he gets the ball in his hands. He is a natural pass catcher capable of taking screens and swing routes the distance in the passing game. As the Vikings retool their offense around the strengths of Sam Bradford's game (quick-rhythm thrower), Cook could blossom into a versatile star in an attack that is dynamic and explosive in 2017.
The worst-case scenario Brooks had for Cook was that he splits time with fellow running backs Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon instead of seizing the top role.
But Brooks expects big things for Cook, as he projected the running back to have 1,250 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 300 yards and two scores.
