Newman was acquired by the Lions in a trade with the Calgary Stampeders on September 4, 2010. The Lions sent their second-round pick in the 2011 Canadian Draft as well as a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2012 Canadian Draft to acquire the BC native.

In December 2010, Newman signed a contract extension with the Lions.

2011:  Jesse became a regular along the BC offensive line in 2011 after starting the season as the primary backup. He stepped in when Jon Hameister-Ries went down and retained a starting spot the remainder of the way. Jesse made a total of 16 starts and played in the Western Final and the Grey Cup, winning his second CFL championship ring. 

2010:  After coming to the club from Calgary in a trade and an earlier brief retirement from the CFL, Jesse played a valuable reserve role along the offensive line. He played in the final nine regular season games in addition to the Western Semi-Final game in Regina.

Games Played: Career 57, Playoff: 5, Grey Cup: 2 (2011 w/ BC, w/Calgary)

2008-2011: Jesse joined the Lions in a trade with Calgary for a 2011 draft selection and played the final nine games of the season. Newman was originally selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the first round (third overall) of the 2008 Canadian Draft and was signed on May 27, 2008.  Although the start of his rookie season was delayed by a knee injury suffered in training camp, he was healthy in time for the third game of the season as he replaced the injured Godfrey Ellis at left guard.

Newman went on to make 15 consecutive starts (12 at left guard and three at left tackle) before sitting out the regular season finale.  He returned to the lineup in the playoffs and was a standout in the Western Final and Grey Cup.  Along with Dimitri Tsoumpas, Newman was one of two rookie starters on an offensive line that ranked among the league leaders in sacks allowed (30), average rushing yards per game (134.6) and average gain per rush (6.4).

2004-07:  Jesse was named to the 2007 All-Sun Belt Conference First Team, Newman was a vital part of a Louisiana-Lafayette offensive line that anchored the Cajuns’ first-ever 3,000-yard rushing team mark and whose 251.6 rushing yards per game ranked first in the SBC.

Newman was an honourable mention all-conference player in 2006 as well as a second-team all-star in 2005, and was a four-year starter for the Ragin’ Cajuns, including 11 games as a true freshman.

A native of Vancouver, Newman played just one season at South Delta Secondary School.  Despite his limited experience, he was selected to play in the annual Senior Bowl which showcases the best players in the province and was named Most Valuable Offensive Lineman. 

Newman played three seasons in the Canadian Junior Football League, including two seasons with the Victoria Rebels, before joining Louisiana-Lafayette’s football program.