Last year, Luke Newman was at a draft party celebrating his former Holy Cross teammate, C.J. Hanson, who was picked by the Chiefs in the seventh round.
On Saturday, it was Newman’s turn to live out that dream. The Michigan State offensive lineman heard his name called when the Bears selected him in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
“It was such a special and surreal moment,” Newman said. “Honestly, it’s hard to even put into words what it feels like.”
Newman had seen the draft process up close before, but experiencing it firsthand was something entirely different.
“I watched my friend go through this last year, but to live it myself, to have a team believe in me and want to help me grow both as a player and a person—that’s truly special,” he said. “There are so many people in that organization who put their faith in me. I can’t wait to give everything I have back to them.”
Newman began his college career at Holy Cross, starting at left tackle from 2021 to 2023, earning two FCS All-American honors and three first-team All-Patriot League selections. In 2024, he transferred to Michigan State, where he started all 12 games at left guard and received honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
“Holy Cross will always be home for me,” Newman reflected. “They were the first to give me a real chance in college football, allowing me to grow both as a person and a player. Leaving wasn’t easy, but I wanted to show I could succeed at different positions against top competition.”
After transferring, Newman caught the Bears’ attention. Though he wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, he boosted his draft stock at the East-West Shrine Bowl by showcasing his ability to play both guard and center.
“You really noticed his versatility once he played center,” said Bears director of college scouting Brett Ackley. “That’s when we got excited. It’s not easy to project a tackle moving inside to center, but he proved he could do it.”
At the Shrine Bowl, Newman demonstrated quickness and an ability to handle calls at center. He continued impressing scouts at his Pro Day and during his visit to Halas Hall, particularly with his football IQ.
“He just kept checking every box as we evaluated him,” Ackley explained. “By the end, it was clear: the coaches liked him, he was clean across the board, and it all came together.”
Growing up a Detroit Lions fan, Newman is especially energized about playing for Bears head coach Ben Johnson, formerly Detroit’s offensive coordinator.
“I’m thrilled,” Newman said. “Coach Johnson is the ultimate competitor—he’s tough, loves to win, and works hard. He’s exactly the kind of coach you dream of playing for. I’m excited to be part of what he’s building in Chicago.”
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