DENVER, CO -- The Denver Broncos today announced that they have signed Temple defensive tackle Antwon Burton to a rookie, free-agent contract. The signing increases the number of former Owls listed on National Football League rosters to 10.
Burton (6-2, 315) played in all 11 games (10 starts) as a third-year senior in 2005, making 66 tackles (26 solo), five tackles-for-losses, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, one interception and three pass break-ups from an interior position. He ranked tied for 36th nationally in forced fumbles (.27). The Buffalo (N.Y.) native made a career-high 14 total tackles, and both a forced and recovered fumble in the team's season finale at Navy. Burton completed his collegiate career by playing in the East-West Shrine Game Classic on January 21 in San Antonio.
Burton was named to the CollegeFootballNews.com preseason All-Welcome Back Team in 2005, while also being cited as one of the top five independent pro prospects by the site. After playing in all 11 games (six starts) and making 30 tackles as a first-year junior in 2003, he was sidelined for the 2004 season with a foot injury.
Burton is the second Temple defensive tackle to sign with the Broncos in recent years. Russell Newman, a second team All-Big East selection in 2000, inked a free-agent deal with the club in 2002. Other Cherry & White gridiron alums to play for Denver include running back Zachary Dixon (1979), defensive lineman Alphonso Taylor (1993) and Pro-Bowl wide receiver Steve Watson (1979-87).
Defensive end Raheem Brock (Indianapolis Colts), wide receiver Zamir Cobb (Arizona Cardinals), defensive end Lance Johnston (Oakland Raiders), defensive lineman Dan Klecko (New England Patriots), fullback Jason McKie (Chicago Bears), linebacker Alshermond Singleton (Dallas Cowboys), wide receiver Terrence Stubbs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), linebacker Rian Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) and offensive lineman Dave Yovanovits (Cleveland Browns) join Burton on NFL rosters.
