For the first time in his career, former Michigan State standout and recent Chicago Bears draft pick, Jalen Newman, sat in front of the media as a professional athlete. The moment was a milestone for the young cornerback, who was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Bears. Newman, known for his aggressive play style, ability to shut down receivers, and leadership on the field, has been a name to watch in the football world ever since his impressive college career at Michigan State. His transition from college to the NFL has been filled with anticipation, and now, as a Chicago Bear, Newman is ready to embark on the next chapter of his football journey.
When Newman sat down for his first press conference in Chicago, there was a sense of nervous excitement in the air. He was stepping into a city with rich football history, and the weight of expectations from the Bears’ faithful was palpable. As a player with enormous potential, Newman’s presence on the roster was seen as a significant addition to the Bears’ secondary. For a team that had struggled defensively in recent seasons, the addition of a cornerback like Newman represented a much-needed boost.
During the press conference, Newman spoke candidly about his excitement to join the Bears and how the experience had been a dream come true for him. “I’ve been dreaming of playing in the NFL my whole life, and to be able to do it with a franchise like the Chicago Bears is something special,” Newman said. His words reflected the pride he felt in being selected by the team and his enthusiasm to get started in Chicago.
Growing up in the Midwest, Newman was no stranger to the storied tradition of Chicago Bears football. He recalled watching Bears games on television with his family, soaking in the atmosphere of the team’s legendary defense. The history of the Bears’ “Monsters of the Midway,” their tough, physical style of play, and their legendary linebackers and defensive linemen shaped his understanding of what it means to play for the Bears. The defensive legacy of players like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and more recently, Roquan Smith, set a high standard that Newman hopes to live up to. “Those guys are legends,” he said. “Growing up, you watch them on TV, and you dream of one day being part of a defense with that kind of legacy. Now, I get the opportunity to contribute to that history, and that’s a big responsibility, but I’m excited to take it on.”
Newman was quick to acknowledge the hard work that led him to this point. His rise to prominence started at Michigan State, where he was one of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten. Over the course of his career, Newman developed a reputation for being a shutdown corner, capable of matching up against some of the best wide receivers in college football. He was known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage, his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, and his knack for making crucial plays in key moments. In his final season at Michigan State, Newman was an integral part of the Spartans’ defense, leading the team in interceptions and pass breakups, earning All-Big Ten honors in the process.
When asked about his experience at Michigan State, Newman spoke about the importance of his time there in shaping him as a player. “Michigan State prepared me for this moment,” Newman reflected. “The coaching staff, the players I got to work with, the challenges we faced – it all played a huge role in developing my game. But there’s still so much to learn. The NFL is a whole different level, and I’m ready for that challenge.”
Part of what makes Newman so appealing to the Bears is his versatility. While he primarily played on the outside at Michigan State, he also has the capability to move inside and cover the slot. This flexibility gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a wide range of options when it comes to deploying Newman in various defensive schemes. When asked how he plans to contribute right away, Newman was confident in his ability to adapt to the NFL style of play. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team,” he said. “Whether it’s on the outside, in the slot, or even in special teams – I’ll take on any role to get on the field and make an impact.”
While Newman’s physical tools are impressive, it is his mental approach to the game that has set him apart. Known for his football IQ, Newman has the ability to break down an offense and anticipate plays before they happen. This characteristic was a key factor in the Bears’ decision to draft him, as they see him as someone who can not only cover elite receivers but also play an integral role in reading opposing quarterbacks and positioning the defense for success. “Football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one,” Newman noted. “I try to study as much as I can – watching film, learning the tendencies of opposing offenses, and trying to stay ahead of the curve. That’s what I bring to the table.”
One of the biggest adjustments Newman will have to make in the NFL is the speed of the game. While he faced tough competition in the Big Ten, the NFL presents an entirely different level of talent, with quarterbacks who are more accurate, receivers who are faster, and offenses that can be much more complex. Newman is well aware of this challenge, but he’s confident in his ability to adapt. “The game is faster, and there’s no doubt that the competition is tougher, but I’ve always prided myself on my ability to adjust,” Newman said. “I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point, and I’m going to keep working every day to make sure I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”
Newman’s relationship with his new teammates is something he’s eager to build. The Bears have a solid mix of veterans and young talent on the defensive side of the ball, and Newman understands that the key to success in the NFL is building chemistry and trust within the locker room. He was particularly excited about joining a secondary that includes players like Jaylon Johnson and Trevon Diggs. “Those guys are ballers,” Newman said. “I’m excited to learn from them and take my game to the next level. I know there’s a lot I can learn from their experience.”
The Bears’ defensive unit is poised for growth, and the addition of Newman only strengthens that outlook. Allen has expressed his confidence in Newman’s ability to make an immediate impact, both in terms of his physical talents and his mental approach to the game. “Jalen is the kind of player we want in our defense,” Allen said. “He’s a competitor, he’s smart, and he has the tools to be successful at this level. We’re excited to see what he can do as we continue to build this defense.”
As Newman looks ahead to the start of his rookie season, he is focused on putting in the work necessary to make a successful transition to the NFL. He understands that the road to success is paved with dedication, hard work, and perseverance. For Newman, this is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a long and successful career with the Chicago Bears. As he continues to grow and evolve as a player, the Bears are optimistic that Newman will be a key contributor to their defense for years to come.