Former NFL player pursues fishing dreams

<p>While at Middle Tennessee State University, Kendall Newson's fishing addiction was common knowledge among his friends and fans. A school newspaper published a photo of him wearing a Blue Raiders jersey and battling a jumping football with a rod and reel as though the ball were a bass.</p>

While at Middle Tennessee State University, Kendall Newson’s fishing addiction was common knowledge among his friends and fans. A school newspaper published a photo of him wearing a Blue Raiders jersey and battling a jumping football with a rod and reel as though the ball were a bass.

A knee injury sidelined Newson when he was with the Miami Dolphins. It was while recovering that he decided he wanted to be involved with fishing and helping children after his athletic career.

Newson included a fishing rod in some of the promotional photos he had taken of himself while he was with the Miami Dolphins.

While he was with the Miami Dolphins, Newson met Florida fishing legend Billy Bob Crosno. They fished several tournaments together.

Newson’s Teach A Child to Fish (TACTF) introduces hundreds of children to fishing every year.

The Police Athletic League (PAL), Big Brothers Big Sisters and other organizations often help at TACTF events.

Thanks to the help of his parents, wife Tiffany, brothers, sisters and volunteers, TACTF has grown and introduces more children to fishing every year.

When children go home after TACTF events, they take with them tackle donated by Bass Pro Shops.

Newson and his father, Lewis, with fishing tackle donated to the TACTF by Bass Pro Shops.

Newson and his wife, Tiffany, pose in front of the Nitro Z-9 that Newson is fishing from this season.

Newsonâs boat is fully rigged and ready for serious competition. His goal is to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series.

Newson with a nice bass he caught while fishing his first Bassmaster Open at Lake Tohopekaliga last January.