Greg Orton (wide receiver)


Gregory Carlton Orton is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Purdue.
He was also a member of the Spokane Shock, Denver Broncos, Omaha Nighthawks, Arizona Rattlers, and New England Patriots.

Early life

Greg attended Wayne High School, where he was a standout football, basketball and track and field member. As a member of the football team, he played for coach Jay Minton. He was ranked as the No. 19 wide receiver in nation by SuperPrep as well as the No. 53 wide receiver in nation and the No. 21 player in Ohio by Rivals.com. He was a first team all-state selection as senior, when he caught 65 passes for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns. As a result, he was named to CBS SportsLine All-Regional team. He had 59 receptions for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns his junior season, and was a two-time all-area and all-conference honoree.
Orton committed to Purdue University on September 22, 2004.

College career

Orton chose Purdue to continue his football career. He chose Purdue over Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Virginia and Wisconsin. Orton saw his production steadily increase every season. He finished his Purdue career appearing in 50 games and recorded 203 receptions for 2,356 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Statistics

Source:
SeasonTeamAvgLong
2005Purdue1899410.4022
2006Purdue1135879013.6543
2007Purdue11146775211.2344
2008Purdue12126972010.4543
Totals27462032,35611.61344

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

In 2009, Orton signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, after failing to have his name called in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Spokane Shock

In 2010, Orton signed to play with the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League. He appeared in a few games making 18 receptions for 2 touchdowns, helping guide the Shock to an ArenaBowl XXIII championship. In 2011, he saw his number increase dramatically, but the Shock season wasn't as productive. As a member of the Shock, Orton led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Omaha Nighthawks

In August 2011, he signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Denver Broncos

On August 13, 2011, Orton signed with the Denver Broncos. He was later waived by the Denver Broncos prior to the 2011 season.

Arizona Rattlers

Orton signed with the Arizona Rattlers to play the 2012 season.

Denver Broncos (second stint)

Orton was re-signed by the Broncos, as a member of the practice squad on November 29, 2012.
He was waived/injured by the Denver Broncos on August 25, 2013. He reverted to injured reserve on August 27. He was released by the Broncos on October 7, 2013.

New England Patriots

Orton was signed by the New England Patriots to their practice squad on December 31, 2013. The team released him on May 22, 2014, but re-signed him on July 23 of that year. Orton was waived/injured by the Patriots on July 27, 2014. He reverted to injured reserve on July 28. He won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots after they defeated the defending champion Seattle Seahawks 28–24. He became a free agent after the 2014 season.