Kansas State University Athletics
Up Close With Senior Terence Newman
Nov 18, 2002 | Football
Nov. 18, 2002
- by Kerri Mueller, Kansas State Sports Information student assistant
Who knew a 400-meter postgame jog would lead to a friendship where both considered the other a great influence? It all started with a simple lap around KSU Stadium after the last game of his freshman season and giving away a pair of gloves to a child named Barrett Brantingham. And ever since Kansas State defensive back Terence Newman acquired a number one fan and a pen pal.
"Giving away those gloves has had a big impact on my life," Newman said. "I feel blessed to have been able to give him a little bit of direction."
Being only a third-grader, Brantingham did not even know who Newman was when he was handed the coveted gloves. But, Barrett's father, Shawn, recognized Newman and the Brantingham family knew from the beginning that this could possibly be something very special for everyone involved.
"After Barrett got the gloves from Terence, we suggested that he sit down and write a thank-you note and he wanted to draw a picture to send along," Karen Brantingham, Barrett's mother said. "Soon there after, I wrote Terence telling him what a difference receiving the gloves had made in Barrett's life. Terence wrote him back and told him how nice it was to have a number one fan and that's when the writing back-and-forth really started."
Ever since that day, the pair have been nothing but best friends. They have matching t-shirts with their pictures on them that says best friends. They send each other birthday cards and congratulations notes. Newman sends memorabilia and Brantingham returns thank-you notes. They share high-fives and hugs, but most importantly they are there for each other.
"He's taught me never to give up and to stay focused," Brantingham said. "He's nice and he works really, really hard at the position he plays. He respects everyone. And he keeps trying until he gets what he wants."
Brantingham is now in the sixth grade and his mother can see some of the leadership and kindness that Newman has shown Brantingham shine through in his thoughts and actions towards younger children.
"Now that he's in the top of elementary school, he comments on how he needs to be a leader and kind to the younger kids, just as Terence has shown leadership and kindness to him," Mrs. Brantingham said. "It's really amazing the impact that Terence has had on his life."
"I get to brag to all my buddies that I know Terence Newman," Barrett Brantingham said with a giant smile. "My teacher didn't believe me until I brought in a birthday card and the gloves from Terence."
The Brantingham family attends all of the home games and as many away games as possible. And they always are sure to stick around for the players to take their lap, just in case younger brother Connor should be so lucky as to get a high-five or a hug from one of the Wildcats.
Hugs and high-fives are not the only thing Newman gets from Brantingham, he gets a multitude of drawings. So many that his locker is full of them and he has resorted to hanging the remaining on the fridge at home.
"Barrett is a really cool person," Newman said. "He always draws me little pictures. He comes to the games and I call him and we send each other letters, pictures and stuff back and forth. His parents write me and tell me that I have been a big role model in his life."
Having Newman as a friend is a unique opportunity for any child and Brantingham respects that.
"I feel kinda special," Brantingham said shyly. "He makes me feel important.""They make each other feel special," Mrs. Brantingham said. "Terence is a wonderful person. I would take Terence into our home in a heartbeat. He is such a kind and giving person. He sends cards for birthdays and different occasions."
The Brantinghams are not the only ones to have taken notice of Newman's outgoing personality.
"Terence has a terrific personality," said Kansas State wide receivers coach Greg Peterson. "He has that big smile and when he walks in the room and flashes that big grin, it melts your heart. Terence brings so much to this program, not just because he's a tremendous athlete, but he's a terrific young man. You get to be around many guys everyday and you get to work with some different personalities, but he's the type you would like to have a whole ball club of, if you could."
Newman's positive spirit is an attribute, which has carried onto the field and into relationships with teammates. He has built a bond with wide receiver Taco Wallace. Even though the seniors are usually going against each other in practice, they have taken the time to get to know one another on a personal level. They have been able to encourage each other to become better players while having fun.
"He's everything you would want in a friend, a good friend at that," Wallace said.
The two have grown close in the two years since Wallace arrived from California.
"He's a great person to be around," Newman said. "He's just a lively person. I think that we make a perfect pair of friends because we are both pretty funny and like the same things. When we are together that can be trouble. I do have to admit that, we can be trouble."
Even if they go to different professional teams, after K-State, they know they will stay friends through the long haul.
"There will be a rivalry, but we'll still be friends," Wallace said. "It's just going to make us play harder."
Challenging each other in practice and cracking up the other with jokes is what makes their friendship work as well as it does.
As for the attention Newman receives because of his athletic abilities, it does not bother him. And he says he has even found a knack for being a good role model for children.
"It makes me feel good," Newman said. "Especially being in a position where everyone is looking at you. You're under a big magnifying glass, everything you do can be seen as good or bad."
For Brantingham, Newman's little notes have had greater meaning than the big plays he has made on the field.
"I'm excited every time I get something from him," Brantingham said. "He put a lot of time into it, thinking about me. I like it when he writes to me."
