39-year-old Newman expects 2018 to be his final season

The oldest active defensive player in the NFL, 39-year-old cornerback Terence Newman, plans to finally hang up his spikes following the 2018 campaign.

"I think this will be my last year no matter what happens," Newman told reporters Tuesday, a day after re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

The upcoming season will mark Newman's 16th in the NFL and fourth with the Vikings. Despite his advanced age, Newman is still a relatively effective and dependable player.

A former fifth overall pick of the Dallas Cowboys all the way back in 2003, Newman has never appeared in fewer than 10 games in a season, and has never finished a season without at least one interception.

"After 15 years, I've soaked as much as I can in," Newman said of his career. "It's been a heck of a ride. I understand when it's time for me."

Newman became the oldest active defensive player in the NFL after linebacker James Harrison announced his retirement in April.

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