Robert Newhouse

Robert Fulton Newhouse (born January 9, 1950 in Longview, Texas) is a former professional American football player in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys (1972–1983).

Early years
Although he had rushing performances of over 200 and 300 yards, he wasn't highly recruited coming out of Galilee High School in Hallsville, Texas. The only Division I (NCAA) scholarship he received was for the University of Houston.

Newhouse became part of a very successful stretch for the University of Houston from 1969 to 1971. In 1969, the team finished 9–2 and ranked #12 in the AP poll. In 1970, the team finished 8–3 and ranked 19th. In 1971, the team finished 9–3 and ranked 17th.

Before his senior season started, he suffered a cracked pelvis in a serious automovile accident, but still managed to play with the injury. He was a tri-captain of the 1971 team, along with Gary Mullins and Frank Ditta. His 1,757 rushing yards were the second most yards in a season in NCAA history and the most in school history at the time. He received second team All-American honors by the Associated Press at the end of the year.

Newhouse had a remarkable college career, finishing as the University of Houston all-time leading rusher and breaking many of the school's records, some of which still stand today:
 * Most rushing yards in a season (1757 in 1971)
 * Most 100 yard games in a season (10 in 1971)
 * Most 100 yard games in a career (16)
 * Most consecutive 100 yard games in a season (7 in 1971)
 * Most consecutive 100 yard games in a career (8)
 * Most 200 yard games in a season (3 in 1971, tied with Anthony Alridge and Paul Gipson)
 * Most 200 yard cames in a career (4, tied with Anthony Alridge and Paul Gipson).

Back when the College All-Stars played the Super Bowl Champion from the year before, Newhouse scored a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the Hula Bowl.

In 1977 he was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor.

Professional career
Newhouse was drafted in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Although he wasn't very big, he played bigger than his size. Newhouse was built very low to the ground and had enormous leg strength. He thrived on second effort, picking up the nicknames The House and The Human Bowling Ball. He was tough to bring down, "like trying to tackle a fire hydrant," at 5'10" and 209 pounds, with arguably the largest thighs in the NFL (44" in circumference together).

Newhouse was used primarily as a blocking fullback. He was very good as the lead blocker and effective as the primary running back. He led the Cowboys in yards rushed in 1975 with 930 yards and would run his way through 4,784 rushing yards, 956 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns during his notable career. His longest run from scrimmage as a pro was a 54 yard gain against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973.

While he was on the team, the Cowboys went to three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XII against the Denver Broncos in 1977. His most notable career highlight and Super Bowl moment was the 29-yard touchdown pass Newhouse threw (going to his left) to Golden Richards in Super Bowl XII.

Newhouse played sparingly backing up Ron Springs during his last 3 seasons. He retired at the end of the 1983 season, as the fourth all-time leading rusher in team history after playing for 12 years.

He was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame.

Personal life
More than thirty years after he was drafted, Newhouse is still with the Cowboys organization; he currently handles Alumni Affairs.

Newhouse recently had a stroke but he is now making progress.

Robert married wife Nancy Newhouse and together they have four children. His son Reggie Newhouse played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 and 2005.