Greg Orton

Gregory Jay Orton (born August 9, 1962) is an American former professional football offensive lineman who played one season with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Orton was also a member of the Detroit Drive of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was named second-team All-Arena in 1990.

Early life Gregory Jay Orton was born on August 9, 1962, in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

College career Orton turned down offers from Northwest Missouri State and Peru State to instead join the Nebraska Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as a walk-on in 1980. He did not earn a scholarship until 1983, and was a two-year letterman from 1983 to 1984.

Professional career On September 23, 1987, Orton, who was an assistant coach at Peru State at the time, signed a contract to play for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) during the 1987 NFL players strike. He started all three strike games for the Lions at guard. The Drive finished the season with a 9–3 record and later advanced to ArenaBowl II, where they beat the Chicago Bruisers by a score of 24–13. Orton appeared in two games during the 1989 season and forced one fumble. He played in all eight games in 1990, totaling eight solo tackles, four assisted tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. Orton was named second-team All-Arena for his performance during the 1990 season.

Personal life Orton's brothers Steve and John both played football at Peru State.