Gregory "Greg" Newman was an American football player primarily playing as a defensive lineman. Newman played at Westlake High School in California where he received numerous accolades. After playing at the University of Colorado, he walked on to the University of Utah's football program. In his senior year, he earned honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference honors and was part of the undefeated 2008 team that defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Newman played defensive line at Westlake High School (California) and he also played some fullback. During his tenure, the team reached the state finals twice and won the championship his senior year with a perfect 14-0 record.[1] Newman received numerous accolades,[2] [3] including second team all-CIF in 2003,[4] being named a PrepStar All-American and SuperPrep all-Far West. He was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year for Ventura County and the Marmonte League, earning first-team all-CIF, all-Marmonte League, and all-Ventura County distinctions on two occasions. Newman was named the MVP of the CIF Championships and recorded 115 tackles in his senior season.[5]
In 2005, Newman joined the Utes as a walk-on after transferring from the University of Colorado.[6] [7] [8] He did not play in 2005 due to NCAA transfer rules. In 2006, Newman was a backup defensive end during the 2006 Utah Utes football team.[9] He excelled during Summer camp and eventually earned a scholarship[10] on the 2007 Utah Utes football team and became a three-year letterman, playing both defensive end and tackle.[11] [12] He played on the defensive line with Paul Kruger (American football), Koa Misi, Gabe Long, Derrick Shelby, Sealver Siliga, among others.
Newman was also a part of the 2008 Utah Utes football team.[13] In 2008, Newman excelled for the Utes, starting all 13 games at tackle as Utah achieved a perfect season. He finished the year as an honorable mention All-MWC tackle with impressive stats: 50 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, and an interception.[14] Newman played in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, defeating Alabama 31 - 17.[15] [16] [17] [18] In the game, Newman recorded four tackles and a sack of John Parker Wilson. Utah players felt disrespected by Alabama Coach Nick Saban's comment after the SEC championship game, referring to Alabama as the only team from a "real B.C.S. conference" to go undefeated in its league's regular season. Newman told the New York Times after defeating Alabama: "The whole team knew about that. We came out here hungry, ready to go. It was a slap in the face, no respect."[19]
Over his college career, Newman amassed 73 career tackles, with 13.5 of those being for a loss. He was recognized with honorable mention all-conference honors during his senior year.[20] In 2023, Newman and the rest of the 2008 team were inducted into the Crimson Club University of Utah Hall of Fame.[21]
Newman died in 2024.[22] His family announced that his brain would be donated to the Boston University CTE Center and Brain Bank with the goal of helping other football players in the future.