How Bengals’ rookie Josh Newton went from one college offer to an NFL draft pick

Cincinnati Bengals rookie cornerback Josh Newton went from having one scholarship offer to play college football to a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Newton, 24, grew up in Monroe, La. and attended the University of Louisiana Monroe just a few minutes down the street from his home. After three seasons at ULM, Newton said it was time for him to give himself a chance to play on a bigger stage.

He transferred to TCU where he played two seasons (2022-23) and got a chance to play in the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2023 against the University of Georgia after beating Michigan in the semifinal.

“For me, it was surreal,” Newton said of the experience. “I had to take a step back because knowing my story, just coming from a lot of adversity. When we beat Michigan, it was like, all of that for this.”Newton talks more about what life was like growing up in Monroe, his favorite Louisiana foods, getting drafted by the Bengals and more in this week’s episode of the Bengals Beat Podcast that is now available wherever you get your podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How Bengals’ rookie Josh Newton went from one college offer to an NFL draft pick