Tyler Newsome Has Always Been A Football Player First
Notre Dame named punter Tyler Newsome a captain on Tuesday, and it’s something you don’t see too often across the world of football. Specialists aren’t typically leaders of the team, but that’s just how impressive the Carrollton (Ga.) native has been over the last four years.
“He had over 51 percent of the votes,” Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly stated. “Sam (Mustipher) and Drue (Tranquill) benefit from a unit they're with, Tyler has four guys that he’s with on a day-to-day basis on another field. To get that kind of vote as punter sends a strong message at how he’s looked at from his peers.”
Newsome was still a little shocked on Tuesday morning after practice, but he plans on embracing the role.
“It’s one of the biggest honors of my lifetime,” stated Newsome. “I’m so blessed and humbled to know my teammates think of me that way. To represent Notre Dame at the highest stage is definitely a dream comes true
“I didn’t expect it. It caught me off guard. It was very nice to know my teammates thought that highly of me and trusted me to be one of the guys.”
When he arrived at Notre Dame, Newsome didn’t see himself different than any of the other members on the team despite being a punter. That mindset has carried over during his career and why his teammates voted him a captain.
“The way I came in looking at it in the summer of 2014 was that I was a football player first and specialist second,” explained Newsome. “I came in with a mindset that I was one of the guys even though I play a specialty position.
“It’s nice to know my teammates respect me in the same way.”
Newsome’s work ethic is something the Notre Dame coaching staff and his peers have noted on numerous occasions over the last four years. The effort and attention to detail is something Newsome prides himself on every day he steps in The Gug.
“I knew coming into Notre Dame I was going to have a limited time here,” Newsome said. “I know each morning there are millions of people that would love to be in my shoes. I’d be a fool to let one morning go by and pass it up.”
The new title won’t change his mindset as Newsome is focused on taking in his last year in South Bend.
“I try to be a consistent guy and bring the same energy to everything,” said Newsome. “Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so I like to make the most of every day I do have here. Notre Dame is a special place. Notre Dame will be Notre Dame with or without me, so I’m going to enjoy it.”
“I feel I will be the same guy. I don’t really think anything has changed. The title is an honor, but I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and making sure I push the guys any way I can in the weight room or conditioning. I really want to be the same guy I have always been.
Newsome continued.
“I’m pretty excited about the fifth year, too," smiled Newsome. "I’m pretty excited that Notre Dame took me back. One more round. You can’t get rid of me yet."