In his ongoing series, “Greatest Huskers by the Numbers,” HuskerMax columnist Dave Feit shines a spotlight on the legends who made Nebraska football a national powerhouse.
In the entry for No. 74, Feit focuses on one of the most dominant offensive linemen in Husker history: Bob Newton.
Wearing the No. 74 jersey, Bob Newton was a force to be reckoned with during the late 1960s and into 1970. Newton’s time with the Cornhuskers came at a pivotal moment for the program, as head coach Bob Devaney was building a dynasty that would soon capture the first national title in school history. Newton played a vital role in that ascent — literally paving the way for Nebraska’s powerful running game.
A California native, Newton transferred to Nebraska after starting his college football career at Cerritos College. He quickly made a name for himself in Lincoln, earning a starting role and impressing coaches with both his size and technique. At 6-foot-3 and around 250 pounds, Newton was the kind of lineman who could overpower defenders but also had the agility to pull and block downfield — a rare combination in his era.
Feit points out that Newton’s 1970 season was among the finest ever by a Nebraska lineman. That year, Newton earned consensus All-America honors, becoming just the fourth offensive lineman in school history to receive that distinction at the time. He was also named Big Eight Lineman of the Year, an award that reflected not just his dominance but his leadership on the field.
Newton was a crucial cog in the 1970 team that finished 11-0-1 and captured the program’s first national championship after a convincing Orange Bowl victory over LSU. That season marked the beginning of Nebraska’s golden era under Devaney and later Tom Osborne, and Newton was one of its foundation stones.
Off the field, Newton’s journey became even more compelling. After being drafted in the third round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Newton played over a decade in the NFL, including a long stint with the Seattle Seahawks. But his post-football life revealed his greatest victory: overcoming substance abuse.
Newton became a nationally recognized counselor and speaker on recovery, using his experience to help others dealing with addiction. His work at the Betty Ford Center and later through the National Football League Players Association highlighted his dedication to giving back — not just to football, but to people in need.
Feit’s profile of Newton doesn’t just recount tackles and titles. It paints a picture of a complex, resilient individual who excelled on the gridiron and later used his own struggles as a source of strength for others. In honoring Bob Newton as the greatest Husker to wear No. 74, Feit not only recognizes Newton’s dominance as a player but celebrates his lasting impact as a person.
In a program rich with tradition and triumph, Bob Newton stands tall — a champion in more ways than one.
