Arena, NFL

Newton, Falanda

CARD: Pro Set WLAF 1991
ACQUIRED: 2025, eBay
FAILURE: TTM 2011, C/o Home

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • A fast and hard hitting safety who always found a way to be around the ball, Falanda Newton played college ball for TCU from 1986-’88.
  • In 1987 he had 7 picks for 117 yards.
  • He also moonlighted at punt returner primarily that season as well.
  • Newton finished his college career with 15 interceptions for 274 yards and a TD over 33 contests.
  • Nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award his Senior campaign.
  • Undrafted, spent time in the camp of the Houston Oilers in ’89 and Cleveland Browns in ’90.
  • Second to last selection in the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the New York-New Jersey Knights.
  • Started all 10 contests at free safety and posted 8 interceptions, 73 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and recovered 3 fumbles.
  • Set league record with 3 interceptions in a single game against the Monarchs.
  • Also blocked a punt that season.
  • Returned to the Knights for the 1992 campaign, posting 5 interceptions and 3 sacks.
  • After the league went on hiatus, Falanda played for Cincinnati of the Arena Football League in 1993.
  • Had 43 total tackles, 10 interceptions for 71 yards and 6 pass deflections.

ACCOLADES:

  • All World League 1991, ’92

NOTES:

Falanda has been impossible to track down or get a response from despite his unique name. When this one popped on eBay, I didn’t think twice and snapped it up immediately. He’s still got two set needs out there for me.