Browns: Greg Newsome II reveals why he switched to No. 0
Number changes can mean a bounty of things. For Cleveland Browns' cornerback Greg Newsome II, changing his number from 20 to 0 was all about a fresh start. "I was just super excited," he said. "I was presented the opportunity, and I think it was pretty cool to be the first Cleveland Brown ever to wear zero, […]
Number changes can mean a bounty of things.
For Cleveland Browns' cornerback Greg Newsome II, changing his number from 20 to 0 was all about a fresh start.
"I was just super excited," he said. "I was presented the opportunity, and I think it was pretty cool to be the first Cleveland Brown ever to wear zero, so that was a little behind it. Going into this next year, I kind of wanted a fresh start with everything, just wanted to get out there and have a fresh start. I'm super excited."
Newsome was in serious need of a fresh starter. The cornerback hasn't recorded an interception since being drafted by the Browns. With the change in number, he hopes that he can turn some of his passes defended into consequential turnovers for a Browns team looking to get back to the NFL Playoffs in 2023.
"I mean, I hope so," he said when asked if a new number could lead to more on-field success. "Get a little bit more production. I hope that's what it causes."
But Newsome isn't a one-dimensional person. In changing his number, he wants to show the world that he is maturing as a person. The version of Newsome that existed before the number change isn't going to be the same person who wears 0 for the foreseeable future.
"I've been in the league for two years now, and I think I'm ready to really make that next jump," he said. "That's kind of what I mean by a fresh start. It's just ready to make that next jump. I kind of wanted to just change everything and that was one of the things."
If the Browns are going to make that same jump, they need a version of Newsome that is better than he has ever been before. And that may come while the cornerback dawns 0 instead of 20.
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Feature image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports.
