Johnny Newton prepares for third year in the league
· Yahoo Sports
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Former Illini defensive tackle Johnny Newton is gearing up for his third season of professional football.
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Newton, who caught up with WCIA 3’s Tristan Thomas at the annual Illinois Shrine Game, will enter his third year with the Washington Commanders this fall.
Despite dealing with injuries last season, he ended the year strong with a three-sack performance on Christmas Day against the Cowboys, and says he has returned to full strength.
A consensus All-American at Illinois, he hopes to be remembered for his character off the field.
“I’m always interacting with all the fans whenever they see me off the field, I went to a few tailgates last year, so just people seeing the real side of me rather than the football side of me,” said Newton. “That’s my biggest thing.”
Washington’s first preseason game is on August 14 against Miami.
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