Dallas Cowboys Legend Set To Be Inducted Into College Football Hall Of Fame
Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback and Kansas State standout Terence Newman has earned one of college football’s highest honors. On Friday, it was announced that Newman will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2026 class, a recognition of his dominant career as one of the most versatile players of his era.
Dallas Cowboys And Kansas State Legend
Long before he was a first-round draft pick and a two-time Pro Bowler, Newman was an electrifying force for the Kansas State Wildcats from 1999 to 2002. As a shutdown cornerback, he was a two-time All-American and the 2002 Big XII Defensive Player of the Year. In his senior season, he won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. His impact was felt across all three phases of the game; he recorded 10 interceptions, returned four kicks for touchdowns, and even saw action at wide receiver. During his tenure, the Wildcats won 39 games, including three 11-win seasons.
Newman’s exceptional college performance led to him being selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, the first player chosen by legendary head coach Bill Parcells in Dallas. He quickly became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, playing nine seasons with the team and earning Pro Bowl selections in 2007 and 2009. He finished his time in Dallas tied for seventh in franchise history with 32 interceptions.
A Long NFL Career
Following his nine years with the Cowboys, Newman continued his successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings, playing a remarkable 15 seasons in the NFL. He is one of only seven players in league history to record an interception in each of his first 15 seasons, finishing his professional career with 42 total picks.
The Rest of the Class
Newman joins a prestigious 2026 class that includes other football greats such as Aaron Donald, Marvin Harrison, and Mark Ingram. He becomes the seventh player or coach from Kansas State to be selected for the College Football Hall of Fame, joining names like Darren Sproles and his former coach, Bill Snyder.
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
