Jer’Zhan Newton played as a DL for the Illinois Fighting Illini as their captain last season when he was recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, an All-American, and All-Big Ten. After becoming the first player from Illini in 29 years to win the defensive player award, he also found success on the personal front when he became a father to Jovianne in late 2022.
As expected, he was excited by the news but realized that fatherhood has added responsibilities. But Johnny, as he is widely known, didn’t learn to shy away from responsibilities. On the contrary, a quick glimpse of his family background would reveal how the Newton family flourished under the hammer.
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Meet the hard-working parents of Jer’Zhan Newton
Jer’Zhan Newton was born on August 31st, 2002, to Jervon Newton and Jovita Rich in St. Petersburg, Florida. Von Newton has an automotive shop on the streets of St. Petersburg where he worked hard to raise his family of five children. Despite his financial destitution, he raised all of his children to go to college, while his youngest is attending Clearwater Central High School. He was also quick to recognize the talent of his kids as he pushed them to get football scholarships, but he wasn’t alone.
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Though not much is known about them, Johnny’s mother, Jovita Rich, and grandmother, Joanne Newton, also played their part in raising the kids. The couple played good cop-bad cop while raising their kids. Recalling it, Von Newton says, “Rich was the good cop and I was the bad cop, but we blended it all together to make things work for the good of our boys. I was stern with them and never ever cut them any slack.” Besides his family and parents, Jer’Zhan should also thank the youth sports league have also aided him and his four brothers, Jervon, Jerquan, Jerjuan, and Jershaun.
Jer’Zahn Newton’s family known for football in the city
The Newtons are a unique case in St. Petersburg, as the four brothers have dominated the football scene in the city. While Johnny Newton plays as the DL for Illinois, his elder brother Jerjuan Newton plays as WR for Toledo Rockets. The two brothers collided last season on September 3rd with a 30-28 victory for Johnny.
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Witnessing the battle between his two sons, Jervon Newton was excited as he said, “Man, I’m super excited, they’ve played together all their lives. This is the first time they’ve ever been on opposite sides. To see it at this level is so exciting.” On the other hand, his mother Jovita promised to scold 290 lbs Johnny if he hurt his older brother. But it is not a big deal for the Newton family where football runs in the blood.
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Tripti Sarda