By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Young Dhani Newton, a rising star with the CD Panthers’ 8U football team and a budding talent in AAU basketball, is more than just a chip off the old block – he’s a spitting image of his father, Desjuan Newton, a multi-sport athlete and a recognizable figure in Seattle’s Central District.
Desjuan’s roots in the Central District run deep. He too wore the CD Panthers jersey during his youth and later excelled as a two-sport athlete at Garfield High School. His journey led to full-ride basketball scholarships at Central Arizona Junior College and Robert Morris University, followed by a career playing overseas.
Now, Desjuan has shifted his focus to his son, Dhani, who follows in his father’s footsteps, participating in both football and basketball. Dhani showcases his skills on the AAU basketball court with Renton Select and on the football field he is a key member of the CD Panthers. The family legacy, meticulously laid by his father over the years, now rests firmly on Dhani’s capable shoulders.
For Desjuan, watching his son compete at a high level in two different sports is a full-circle moment that exceeds his expectations.
“Honestly, this means everything; it’s a part of our family legacy,” said Newton. “To see Dhani enjoying this, excelling in football, and doing what he does on the field, I couldn’t ask for more.”
Wearing number 28 for the baby-blue and black CD Panthers Dhani is a flat-out playmaker for his team, whether it’s at running back displaying his quickness to speed past defenders, bouncing off tackles for extra yards and more importantly helping the team be in position to score touchdowns and give his team a chance to win or maintain a lead against opponents.
Defensively, he uses his speed to get past the line of scrimmage to get sacks, tackles for losses, or stop opposing ball carriers from gaining yards downfield. With his CD Panthers 8U team currently undefeated at 4-0, Desjuan sees flashes of himself within Dhani when watching him on the field.
“When seeing him play, Dhani is his own guy and has his own personality, if I’m being completely honest,” Newton noted. “We both have those on and off switches. He knows how to turn it on at a younger age much better than I did, but what’s similar is the fight that I have. I can see he has that same mindset.”
Recognizing that Dhani is still in his early youth years and playing multiple sports, managing his body becomes crucial for long-term development.
“I let him know hard work is a mindset. It’s either you want to be great or you don’t. Very simple,” said Newton. “But I make sure he takes days to rest his body, no matter what. Dhani absolutely gets time to himself.”
“He has a massage chair, but even with that I make sure he takes days to where he’s just being a kid and can be relaxing around the house and him wanting to do family game day,” adds Newton. “Dhani absolutely gets time to himself.”
As Dhani continues to evolve into a student-athlete, excelling on the basketball court and the football field, Desjuan emphasizes that sports aren’t everything.
“My goal for Dhani is simply for him to be the best he can be. Sports are not everything, nor will I allow sports to define him. But in the event he decides to pursue a career in sports, I want him to reach the highest levels there is to offer,” said Newton.
With an undefeated record in the 8U division, Dhani and his team aim to extend their winning streak to five games. Regardless of whether his team wins or loses, Dhani remains committed to upholding the legacy his father began during his youth, and taking it to new heights as time goes on.
