Ron Burton

Bio

Ron Burton was a speedy, 185-pound halfback for Northwestern, making all-Big Ten in 1958-1959 and consensus All-America in 1959. He set Northwestern records for most points in a season, 76, most touchdowns in a career, 21, and most points in a career, 130. He was recruited out of Springfield, Ohio, by Ara Parseghian, who said, "If you come to Northwestern, I can promise you only two things: a chance to get a good education and a chance to play football." This low-key approach won Burton, who had listened to 47 scholarship offers. He has recalled his start in football. "I wanted to try out for the team in the seventh grade, and the coach wouldn't give me a uniform, he thought I was terrible. I cried so hard, he gave in. When you consider how far I have come, making the Hall of Fame, it is quite an honor." Burton was the first draft choice of the Boston Patriots and played six years with them. He joined the John Hancock Insurance Company in Massachusetts and became an executive consultant with the firm. He became famous for making motivational speeches to youth groups.

Career Highlights

• 1959 All-Conference
• 1959 Consensus All-America
• 1959 Heisman - Tenth
• 1958 All-Conference
• 1958 Second Team All-America