FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      CONTACT:
NFL-176                  12/18/03                                                     BRENDAN MOYNIHAN, NFL, 212-450-2246
                                                                                                Moynihanb@nfl.com

DAVE DECECCO, PEPSI-COLA, 914-253-2655
            David.DeCecco@Pepsi.com

RECORD NUMBER OF NFL.COM VOTERS SELECT

COWBOYS CB TERENCE NEWMAN AS PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Voters on NFL.com have made their choice.  Cornerback TERENCE NEWMAN of the Dallas Cowboys is the PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK for games played on December 14-15, the NFL announced today.

Newman recorded five tackles and three interceptions in the Cowboys’ 27-0 win over Washington.  Newman’s three interceptions ties a Dallas record for most in a game, while two of his interceptions led to Dallas points.  

A record 142,000 fans voted this week on NFL.com.  Newman was selected from among five finalists.  The other finalists were Green Bay Packers linebacker NICK BARNETT, San Diego Chargers tight end ANTONIO GATES, Minnesota Vikings running back ONTERRIO SMITH, and Chicago Bears cornerback CHARLES TILLMAN.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors.  Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com throughout the month of January.  The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston.

This is Pepsi’s second year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL.

2003 PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

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