Syvelle Newton

Syvelle R. Newton (born April 15, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver/defensive back currently a NFL free agent. He played college football for the University of South Carolina.

In 2006, Newton took over the starting quarterback position after Blake Mitchell was sidelined after a shutout loss to the University of Georgia. But after an ineffective start against the Arkansas Razorbacks later in the season, Newton lost the starting position. He is known for playing multiple positions, including wide receiver, running back, safety and quarterback. The Gamecocks finished the 2006 season 8 and 5 and defeated Houston in the Autozone Liberty Bowl 44 to 36 on December 29, 2006. Newton was projected to be selected as a wide receiver in the 2007 NFL Draft, alongside teammate, Sidney Rice, but went undrafted.

Newton is one of four players in college football history with more than 600 yards rushing, passing and receiving in his career. Newton is also known for the first to run the Wildcat Formation.

After being rated top athlete in the 2007 NFL draft, Newton went undrafted due to injuries. Newton started in the 2007 senior East/West Shrine Bowl. Newton signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, however Newton left the Alouettes’ training camp shortly after being switched again from quarterback to receiver.

Newton joined the Chicago Rush in the second half of the 2010 Arena Football League season. Despite only being on the team for five games, he finished fourth on the team in receiving, with 41 catches for 566 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He was then signed to the Philadelphia Soul in 2010 to play in their inaugural 2011 season.