Antonio Lamarian Newburn II, also known as “Tiggy – The Sniper General” and “Lil Tone 2.0,” is not your average nine-year-old. He’s already carving out an extraordinary legacy both on and off the football field. A quarterback for the Arkansas Lions, a travel player for the Arkansas Hawgs, and a flag football star with the Young Gifted Athletes (YGA) Chiefs, Antonio is known for his leadership, precision passing, and relentless work ethic.
But Antonio’s journey is not just about football. In addition to being an athlete, he’s a gifted singer-songwriter and an honor student who balances his academic life with his passion for sports and music. At only nine years old, Antonio demonstrates a level of maturity that goes beyond his years. His ability to excel in various arenas is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his strong work ethic.
Academically, Antonio stands out as a model student. As a fourth grader, he consistently ranks as an honor student, excelling in subjects like math, reading, and science. Antonio believes in the importance of education, saying, “Being an honor student is important to me. It’s not just about football; I want to be successful in everything I do, and school is a big part of that.” His discipline in the classroom mirrors his dedication to sports, making him a well-rounded individual with a promising future both on and off the field.
Antonio’s football journey began at the age of five when he first stepped onto the field. Nicknamed “Lil Tone 2.0” after his father, Antonio began playing AAU football in the 7U division during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, he played tight end, but it didn’t take long for his coaches to see his potential as a quarterback. By the age of six, Antonio was leading the Arkansas Lions as their starting quarterback. That year, he led the team to a preseason championship, an undefeated regular season, and victories in both the State Championship and Turkey Bowl. His impressive performances earned him a spot on the All-Star team, and he had the opportunity to play at Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the first time.
In the 8U division, Antonio continued to impress as a quarterback for the Arkansas Lions. Known as “Tiggy – The Sniper General” for his precision passing and leadership, Antonio proved to be a versatile player, also playing wide receiver and backup quarterback. His efforts led the Lions to an undefeated regular season, a State Championship, and a victory in the Turkey Bowl. Despite his success, Antonio faced challenges off the field, particularly conflicts with teammates. These struggles taught him valuable lessons in resilience, self-control, and teamwork.
At the age of nine, Antonio took on a dual role, playing for both the Arkansas Hawgs travel team and the YGA Chiefs flag football team. His performances with the Arkansas Hawgs were particularly noteworthy, as he helped the team win several championships in different states. In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Antonio led the Hawgs to a 4A National Championship victory with a 21-6 win over an undefeated opponent, making key plays including a critical first-down run using the “conflict climb” technique. He later followed this up by leading the Hawgs to another undefeated championship in Oklahoma, as well as another title in Arkansas during the prestigious Keys to the City tournament.
Antonio’s flag football skills were just as impressive. As part of the YGA Chiefs, he led the team to two flag football championships, demonstrating his agility, speed, and ability to make pinpoint passes. His impressive performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he was invited to several football camps, including the Hunter Henry Football Camp, where he led a team of strangers to victory in a flag football competition.
While Antonio’s athletic journey has been filled with triumphs, it has not been without challenges. During his 10U season with the Arkansas Lions, Antonio faced a tough period with limited playing time. At first, it was hard for him to stay positive, but he used the experience to fuel his growth. He focused on improving his skills, remaining patient, and learning how to contribute in different ways. His perseverance paid off as he helped the Lions win several championships that season.
One of the most memorable moments in Antonio’s career happened during a championship game when he was playing quarterback for the Arkansas Hawgs 9U team. The team was trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. With the pressure mounting, Antonio stepped into the huddle and told his teammates, “We’ve worked too hard to let this slip away. Let’s finish strong.” On the final drive, he faced a critical third-and-long situation. Using everything he had learned from his training with his father and coach, Antonio stepped up in the pocket and launched a perfect pass to his wide receiver. The receiver caught it in stride and ran 40 yards for a game-tying touchdown. In overtime, Antonio ran a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-goal to secure the game-winning touchdown and the championship.
Another unforgettable moment came when Antonio played at the iconic Dallas Cowboys Stadium during an All-Star event. It was surreal to step onto the field where his football idols had once played, and even more incredible to lead his team to victory with a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds.
As a quarterback, Antonio thrives under pressure, and the responsibility of leading his team is one of the aspects of the game that he enjoys the most. “You’re the one directing the team, making quick decisions, and reading the defense. It’s exciting to have the game in your hands and be the one trusted to execute critical plays,” Antonio says. The thrill of leading his team to victory and the camaraderie with his teammates are some of the things that keep him motivated.
Despite his busy football schedule, Antonio also enjoys a variety of hobbies outside of sports. Music is a big passion of his—he’s a singer and songwriter, and he enjoys expressing himself through his music. Antonio co-wrote the song “Holy Spirit” with his father, a song that highlights his faith and their strong bond. The song is available on all streaming platforms and serves as a testament to his creativity and his ability to balance multiple interests.
Antonio is also committed to giving back to others. He enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring younger players, and helping in the community. Whether it’s through volunteering or simply being there for others, Antonio values the o
pportunity to make a positive impact.
As he prepares for two major events, the Scholarship Camp in San Diego and the All-Star Showcase in Las Vegas, Antonio’s talent and hard work continue to earn him recognition. The opportunity to compete at these prestigious events excites him, and he’s ready to showcase his skills on a national stage.
Antonio Lamarian Newburn II’s journey is just beginning, but it’s already clear that he is a rising star both on and off the field. With his incredible talent, work ethic, and determination, there’s no telling how far he will go. One thing is for certain: Antonio is a name to watch for years to come, and he’s just getting started on his path to greatness.
We look forward to seeing Antonio at our Winter Camp in San Diego, CA on Dec 14-15.