Atlanta Falcons Promote Furman's Cam Newton To 53-Man Roster

Sept. 20, 2005

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Atlanta Falcons have promoted former Furman safety Cam Newton from its practice squad to the team's 53-man roster, the club announced Tuesday.

To make room for Newton, who signed a free agent contract in May following a mini-camp workout, the Falcons waived cornerback Leigh Torrence, who was claimed off waivers from Green Bay a week before the season opener.

Newton's promotion gives Furman two players on active NFL rosters. Linebacker Orlando Ruff, a seven-year NFL veteran, is currently in his first season with the Cleveland Browns following stints with San Diego and New Orleans.

The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Bennettsville, S.C., product registered 63 tackles, four pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries in 10 games while Furman to a 10-3 record, SoCon championship, and NCAA I-AA quarterfinal playoff appearance in 2004. He finished his Paladin career with 203 tackles, nine interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and 14 pass deflections. His nine pickoffs rank 12th in Furman history.