Ron Burton

Ronald E. "Ron" Burton (July 25, 1936 – September 13, 2003) became a college All-American running back at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, a member of the Northwestern Hall of Fame, and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Burton was the Boston Patriots' first-ever American Football League draft choice in 1960. He was the first Patriot to rush for over 100 yards: 127 against the Denver Broncos on 23 October 1960. Ron was the 1st Patriot Player to run for a first down on a 4th down play and was the 1st Patriot Player to run for a touchdown on a 4th down play. He was the 1st Patriot Player to have a run from scrimmage of at least 70 yards and return a punt at least 60 yards. Ron was the 1st Patriot Player to have a reception in a Playoff Game. He had 4 touchdown receptions of at least 50 yards and had a 69 yard TD reception in consecutive games.

His 91-yard touchdown return on a missed field goal in 1962 remains a Patriot record. He compiled 1,009 combined yards in rushing and receiving in 1962, and provided strong depth at running back for the Patriots from 1960 through 1965.

After leaving professional football, this former child of poverty became an eminently successful motivational speaker who then made a major financial and emotional gift to needy children. In Massachusetts, he donated land for and established the Ron Burton Training Village, which holds free summer camps for disadvantaged inner-city youths.

Ron Burton was very active as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the National Executive Board of the BSA and of the Northeast Region Executive Board. He received the Silver Antelope award for distinguished service to youth on the Regional level and the Silver Buffalo award for distinguished service on a National level.

In 2003, Burton died from bone cancer. At the time of his death, he was living in Framingham, Massachusetts^[1]. His son Steve Burton is a sports reporter for WBZ-TV in Boston and a frequent guest on WEEI sports radio.

References

External links

• Northwestern Magazine Feature on Ron Burton's Legacy

See also

• Other American Football League players