Gregory Newsome II Bio
Gregory Newsome II is an American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 18, 2000, in Chicago, Illinois, Newsome emerged as one of the most promising defensive backs from his college career at Northwestern University. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the first round (26th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Northwestern cornerback since 2011. Newsome has established himself as a versatile defensive back with the ability to play both press and zone coverage effectively, earning All-Rookie Team honors in 2021 and accumulating over 200 career tackles through his first four professional seasons.
Early Life and Background
Newsome grew up in the Chicago metropolitan area and attended Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois, where he first began developing his skills as a defensive back. His talent quickly became apparent, leading him to transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year of high school. IMG Academy provided Newsome with exposure to top-tier competition and elite coaching that prepared him for the collegiate level. During his time at IMG Academy, Newsome refined his technique and emerged as a highly-touted prospect capable of playing at major Division I programs.
Newsome received scholarship offers from several prestigious football programs before ultimately deciding to continue his academic and athletic career at Northwestern University. His commitment to the Wildcats represented a significant step in his development as a future NFL player, as Northwestern has a strong tradition of producing professional defensive backs.
Path to the NFL
At Northwestern, Newsome developed under the guidance of head coach Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats coaching staff. He recorded 71 tackles and one interception over three seasons while starting 18 games. His most productive stretch came during his junior year in 2020, when he led the Wildcats to two Big Ten title game appearances. Newsome’s exceptional performance that season earned him recognition as a Second-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten honoree, establishing him as one of the top cornerback prospects in college football.
Following his standout junior campaign, Newsome declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Pre-draft evaluations were overwhelmingly positive, with multiple analysts ranking him among the top cornerback prospects available. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN projected him as the fourth-best cornerback (21st overall), while Pro Football Focus ranked him third among cornerback prospects. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah had Newsome ranked fourth among all cornerbacks (28th overall). The consensus among draft analysts projected him to be selected in the late first round, with some suggesting he could fall into the second round depending on team needs.
Gregory Newsome II Career
Cleveland Browns (2021–2025)
The Cleveland Browns selected Newsome in the first round (26th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, marking a historic moment for Northwestern football as Newsome and teammate Rashawn Slater became the first Wildcats to both be selected in the first round of the same NFL Draft. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry praised Newsome’s well-rounded skill set, noting his ability to play press coverage effectively despite Northwestern’s heavy use of zone and off-man schemes. The organization valued his size, length, speed, and football intelligence, describing him as fitting the “smart, tough, accountable” profile they seek in players.
On July 24, 2021, Newsome signed a four-year, $12.74 million contract with $6.63 million guaranteed. He entered training camp as a projected starter, eventually earning the starting cornerback role opposite Denzel Ward to begin his rookie season. Newsome made his professional debut on September 12, 2021, in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His rookie campaign was interrupted by injuries, including a calf injury that sidelined him for Weeks 4-5 and a concussion suffered in practice that caused him to miss Weeks 14-16. Despite these setbacks, Newsome finished his rookie season with 37 combined tackles (33 solo) and nine pass deflections in 12 games with 11 starts, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2025)
On October 9, 2025, Newsome was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for cornerback Tyson Campbell and draft compensation. The trade reunited Newsome with the team he had faced multiple times during his tenure with the Browns. His addition provided the Jaguars with an experienced, starting-caliber cornerback to bolster their defensive secondary. Newsome brought four years of NFL experience and the versatility to play both outside cornerback and in the slot, giving defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen multiple options in coverage schemes.
The 2025 season represented a new chapter in Newsome’s professional career as he transitioned to a different conference and defensive system. His ability to adapt quickly and contribute immediately made him a valuable asset for a Jaguars team looking to compete in the AFC South division.
New York Giants (2026–Present)
On March 13, 2026, Newsome signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the New York Giants. The signing represented an opportunity for Newsome to join a storied franchise and compete in the NFC East against some of the league’s top wide receivers twice annually. The Giants added Newsome to address their cornerback needs following several departures from their defensive backfield during the 2026 offseason.
Playing Style and Strengths
Newsome is known for his exceptional coverage instincts and ball skills, demonstrating the ability to shadow receivers in both man and zone coverage schemes. His 6-foot-0 frame provides adequate size to match up against larger receivers, while his footwork and hip fluidity allow him to turn and run with speedsters down the field. Newsome’s intelligence and understanding of route concepts enable him to anticipate throws and make plays on the ball, as evidenced by his 43 career pass deflections and 4 interceptions through the 2025 season. His physicality against the run and willingness to support the run fit also make him a complete defensive back capable of playing on all three downs.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Newsome’s most memorable professional moments came during the 2023 season when he returned an interception for his first career defensive touchdown against quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. The play proved crucial in the Browns’ 33-31 comeback victory, showcasing Newsome’s ability to make game-changing plays in high-pressure situations. His 2020 college performance leading Northwestern to Big Ten title game appearances and his status as a first-round draft pick represent additional career milestones that highlight his trajectory as a professional athlete.
Gregory Newsome II Career Statistics
Through four professional seasons, Newsome has established himself as a durable and productive starting cornerback in the NFL, accumulating significant playing time despite occasional injuries. His career totals include over 200 combined tackles, multiple sacks, and double-digit pass deflections in multiple seasons.
NFL Career Highlights
Newsome’s best statistical season came in 2023 with the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded 49 combined tackles (34 solo), 14 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and his first career defensive touchdown in 14 games with 13 starts. He earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 75.8 that season, the highest of his career through 2024. His 2021 rookie season (37 tackles, 9 pass deflections) earned him PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition, validating his first-round selection.
Career Totals
As of the 2025 NFL season, Gregory Newsome II has recorded 207 career combined tackles, 1 career sack, 43 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown across regular season play. His consistent production and ability to stay healthy (playing 12-15 games per season) have made him a reliable contributor at the cornerback position throughout his professional career.
| Season | Team | Games | Combined Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cleveland Browns | 12 | 37 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| 2022 | Cleveland Browns | 15 | 42 | 0.5 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | Cleveland Browns | 14 | 49 | 0.5 | 14 | 2 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns | 13 | 27 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
Gregory Newsome II Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Gregory Newsome II grew up in the Chicago area, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. His Midwestern roots and Chicago upbringing contributed to his development as an athlete, providing him with access to competitive youth football programs that helped hone his skills before high school.
Personal Life
Newsome maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his professional and personal life. He completed his college career at Northwestern University, earning his degree while competing as a student-athlete. His professional career has taken him from the Midwest to Florida for high school, back to the Midwest for college, and now across multiple NFL cities, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to football at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Newsome following his mid-season trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Jacksonville Jaguars in October. His first season with the Jaguars presented new challenges as he learned a different defensive system and built chemistry with new teammates in the secondary. The trade provided Newsome with an opportunity to restart as a featured cornerback after his role with the Browns evolved following the coaching staff’s decision to demote him to a backup role in 2024.
Newsome’s integration into the Jaguars’ defensive scheme required time to develop timing with his new defensive coordinator and fellow defensive backs. His versatility allowed him to play multiple coverage looks, and his experience proved valuable in guiding younger players in the Jaguars’ secondary. The 2025 season served as a foundation for what Newsome hoped to build upon in future seasons with his new organization.