Another in a recent line of underrated QBs, Orton threw for 31 TDs in his Senior campaign, joining Drew Brees as the only Boilermaker QBs to do so, while battling through a hip injury.
Over his college career Orton threw for 8,918 yards and 61 TDs (24 interceptions).
Bears 4th round pick in 2005.
Surprisingly captured the starting nod and led the Bears to the playoffs his rookie year completing 190 passes for 1,869 yards, and 9 TDs setting team records.
Kyles 10 wins as a starter were the most ever by an NFL rookie drafted in the 4th round or later.
The Bears brought in Brian Griese in 2006 causing Kyle to ride the bench the entire season.
Saw limited action near the end of the 2007 campaign.
Beat out Rex Grossman for the starting nod in 2008 and led the team to a 9-7 record.
Over his 2008 campaign he’d throw for 2,972 yards and 19 TDs while completing 272 of 465 throws.
After the season, he’d be traded to the Broncos for draft choices in exchange for Jay Cutler.
Kyle was off to a great start with the Broncos in 2009, but in mid-November, suffered an ankle injury limiting his effectiveness for the remainder of the season.
Statistically though it’d be his best season of his career in attempts (498), completions (293), yards (3,802), and TDs (21).
Despite his productive 2010 season, the Broncos collapsed, head coach Josh McDaniels was fired and Orton finished with a 3-10 record on the season.
He’d lose his starting job to Tim Tebow, but regain it again the following season under new head coach John Fox.
Facing a level of offensive stagnation, the Broncos again made the switch from Orton to Tebow during Week 5 of 2011.
Waived and signed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Signed in 2012 with the Dallas Cowboys to back up Tony Romo.
Spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with Dallas, seeing the field sparingly.
After threatening a holdout in 2014, Orton was released outright and signed with the Buffalo Bills.
He’d replace an ineffective EJ Manuel at QB and have a solid season, passing for 18 TDs on 287 of 447 throws for 3,018 yards, and receiving a few votes for comeback player of the year.
Retired after the conclusion of the season.
NOTES:
Kyle Orton, just got no respect. There always seemed to be another QB in waiting ready to take the reins from him or he was embattled in a quarterback controversy of some sort.
Well after a few years, I decided to try Peyton again. I got extremely lucky to get him a second time, on this card. Although I had two other cards I had preferred to get him on more (Score 2010, Donruss Rookies & Stars 2009) I could not locate them in time and rushed this one out the door with a donation to his foundation for $20.00.
Since then he’s pretty much gone cold. He’s signed a few photos produced by his charity TTM, but that’s about it. He’s had his due receiving numerous accolades in retirement, inducted into the Pro Football HoF in 2021, and also the Broncos and Colts Rings of Honor. While rumored to be in line to work for the Colts organization over the past few years in some capacity, Peyton remains focused on his endeavors, especially with his brother Eli working on the Manningcast .
Threw for 4,548 yards and 22 TDs over college career.
While numbers weren’t spectacular, did enough to get noticed by pro scouts.
Selected by the Green Bay Packers in 1998 during the 6th round of the NFL Draft.
Toiled away on the practice squad and primarily as Brett Favre’s little seen backup for first two seasons.
Traded for by Seattle, following former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Holmgren.
After unseating Trent Dilfer at starting QB in 2003, went on to have a productive NFL career in Seattle.
Had most productive season in 2007, throwing for 3,966 yards and 28 TDs.
Fan favorite who had a heartbreaking departure from Seattle after the 2011 NFL Lockout.
Began Journeyman phase of career with the Tennessee Titans playing 2011 and 2012 with the franchise.
Had a solid 2011, throwing for 3,571 yards and 18 TDs.
Joined Indianapolis Colts in 2013, playing sparingly initially, backing Andrew Luck.
As injuries piled up on Luck- especially near the end of 2015, pressed back into emergency action leading team to 5-3 mark in his absence.
Retired after the 2015 season.
As of 2022, is currently an on air personality for Sunday Night Countdown on ESPN.
ACCOLADES:
ProBowl 2003, 05, 07
Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor
Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team
Panini Rookies & Stars 2010, #134
NOTES:
I really respected Matt. -He always had the Texans number. I wrote Matt right at the end of the 2012 season, after he said that he was very good with fan mail. I tossed these two cards in, because I couldn’t find the Score 2009 or the Donruss Rookies & Stars 2009 I wanted to send.I never knew what a journey it’d be for these cards…
It took roughly 8.5 years to get these back. In that time, I got a job, got married, moved 3 times, and had a kid. I never thought I’d see these again, but Matt now represents the longest wait I’ve had for any TTM ever, besting Santana Dotson by… 2 and a half years or so.
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
LG
RAT
5330
3222
36638
60.5
212
153
87
82.4
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
365
1231
3.4
8
23
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
