John Newton, Ph.D, is the proud father of one of the nation's top high school quarterback prospects. Morgan Newton is the starter at Carmel (Ind.) High School this season, having already committed to the University of Kentucky. That Morgan has exhibited great athletic talent may partly lie with his father, who played fullback for legendary coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State. As assistant principal at Carmel High, John now enjoys the opportunity to watch his son grow up and fulfill his potential.
John Newton recently spoke with USA Football to talk about how the sport has helped his son develop as a person as much as an athlete.
When did Morgan begin playing football?
When he was in the third grade. We were living near Indianapolis. He played in the Pike Township Youth Football League. He started at quarterback or running back and took to the game very quickly. He was always the kid who had a knack for competing and a nose for the ball.
In what ways did he excel as a youth football player?
He showed real leadership abilities at an early age. He wanted to lead and he wanted to play the best he could, even in the third grade. It's something that he's never lost.
Did you ever worry about Morgan playing football?
No. He was physically capable of holding his own. He played in some leagues with weight limits to avoid players being overmatched. I also started coaching him to make sure that he and his teammates were learning the proper way to play.
Did you enjoy coaching your son?
Yes, I did. It gave me a chance to pass on what I knew and to make sure he was enjoying himself. I ended up coaching him for several years.
What has Morgan learned from playing football?
He's learned many things. He's learned how to be a leader. He's learned how to deal with adversity. He's still learning what it takes to compete under pressure at a high level.
Have you passed any of Coach Robinson's knowledge on to Morgan?
Yes, I have. Coach Robinson always said that football is an assimilation of life. You get out of it what you put into it. In football, as in life, you must compete for positive outcomes. You must be strong - mentally and physically - in life as well as football. That lesson helped me in life and I've tried to pass it along to Morgan.
