Ozzie Newsome

By Allyson Turner

Legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant called Ozzie Newsome "the best end I ever coached." As a pro, Newsome became one of the NFL's greatest tight ends.

A first-round draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1978, the 6-foot-2 Newsome played 13 years and started 176 of 182 career games. He helped lead Cleveland to the AFC Central Division crown in his third season. The Browns' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, Newsome did not fumble following each of his last 557 catches. He also is the NFL's all-time leading receiver among tight ends. A three-time Pro Bowler (1981, '84, '85), Newsome ended his career with 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns.

In college, Newsome started 48 consecutive games at Alabama and led the Crimson Tide to a 42-6 record and three SEC championshps. He was consensus All-America as a senior and finished with 102 receptions for 2,070 career yards. Newsome currently is vice president of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

 

Ozzie Newsome won the Ed Block Courage Award in '86 for playing injured, and the NFL Players Association Whizzer White Award in '90 for community service. (Allsport)

Whom do you most admire in football, past or present? Why?
Coach Bryant, because of his ability to be a leader, his ability to motivate, and his fairness.

Who was the toughest defender you ever faced?
Donnie Shell of the Steelers.

What was the best moment for you on the football field?
It was 1972. We went 13-0 and won a high school state championship -- the only championship that I won. Waking up the next day and knowing that there was nothing else to prove and you were the best.

And the greatest moment off the field?
Getting my college degree.

Was there a low point in your career?
When we lost the 1986 AFC championship game to Denver.

What lesson did you learn from football?
Hard work pays off.

Who was your greatest influence?
My parents.

Growing up, who was your idol?
Dr. J.

What was the greatest gift you ever received?
My son Michael.

What is one word or phrase that you live by?
To always show class.

What is your pet peeve?
I hate getting caught in traffic, or a plane not being there on time.

If you could have anyone over your house for dinner, whom would you invite?
Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

As Ravens VP of player personel, Newsome has drafted Pro Bowlers Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Jermaine Lewis. (Allsport)

Does the rush in the war room on draft day compare to the rush on the field during a game?
The same anticipation and anxiousness that I used to get before a game, I've got the day before the draft and especially right before our pick comes about. It's like watching a game plan unfold -- you prepare yourself from September to April and you execute a plan.

Would the satisfaction of putting together a Super Bowl team offset the disappointment of not winning one as a player?
No question.

Do you have any regrets?
Other than not playing in a Super Bowl, nothing really.

What is a perfect day?
Come to work, get a jog in, and play 9 holes of golf. Get home and have dinner with my family ... on time.

For each of the following sports figures, what is the first word that comes to mind: