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Randall William Burke (born May 26, 1955) is an American former professional football player who played wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons from 1977 to 1981. Burke played college football at the University of Kentucky before he was drafted in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft as the 26th overall selection by the Baltimore Colts.

Early life

Randy Burke was born on May 26, 1955, in Miami, Florida. He attended Southwest Miami Senior High School in Olympia Heights, Florida where he played football and ran track. Southwest went 0-9-1 in Burke's senior season, leaving Burke with little hope to receive a college football scholarship. He began to pursue a track scholarship, but through his high school track coach, he made contact with the University of Kentucky's football team and eventually earned a football scholarship to play for the Wildcats.

College career

Burke attended the University of Kentucky from 1973 to 1977. The Wildcats used a run-oriented offense during Burke's time on the team, which led to minimal production from him. During his college career, Burke appeared in 33 games with 37 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns. Despite his limited role, Burke received an invite to the 1977 Senior Bowl where he set a then-Senior Bowl record of 11 receptions for 126 yards.

Professional career

Baltimore Colts (1977-1981)

Burke's Senior Bowl performance, combined with a fast showing in the 40-yard dash, impressed NFL scouts. Burke was selected by the Baltimore Colts with the 26th overall pick in the 1977 NFL draft.

1977 season

Burke missed the entire 1977 season after suffering a separated shoulder during the first week of training camp.

1978 season

In 1978, Burke appeared in 15 games, mainly on special teams. In the Colts' week six game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Burke blocked a Steve Little punt. In week nine of the 1978 season, Burke was credited with a safety against the Miami Dolphins.

1979 season

In the 1979 season, Burke saw more playing time at wide receiver. He started in two games and had six receptions for 151 yards during the season. His best game was the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded three receptions for 54 yards. His longest catch of the season went for 59 yards against the Buffalo Bills in week eight. Burke continued to produce on special teams, with eight tackles and four assisted tackles on kickoff coverage and three tackles on punt coverage.

1980 season

In 1980, his best statistical season, Burke recorded 14 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns. His first career touchdown reception came on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Bert Jones during a week four victory against the New York Jets. Burke also continued to appear on special teams. His season was cut short by a lingering week three thigh injury, and he missed six games throughout the 1980 season.

1981 season

In 1981, his final season with the Colts, Burke had 10 receptions for 153 yards. His best offensive performance came in week 16 against the New England Patriots when he had five receptions for 69 yards. He continued to play well on special teams, leading the punt coverage unit with seven tackles and four assisted tackles, topped by a blocked punt against the Cleveland Browns in week eight.

Los Angeles Raiders (1983)

Burke was a member of the Los Angeles Raiders during their 1983 training camp, but was released before the start of the season.

Washington Federals (1984)

Burke played in one game for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League during the 1984 season, recording one reception for seven yards.

Professional career statistics

NFL

USFL

References

1. "1977 National Football League Draft". The New York Times. May 8, 1977. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
2. ^ Kelly, Garry (June 28, 1977). "Ex-Southwest Star Randy Burke steps out of background into pro football". The Miami News. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
3. "Randy Burke". Sports Reference CFB. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
4. "All-Time Roster". Reese's Senior Bowl. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
5. ^ "1981 Baltimore Colts Media Guide". Colts.com. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
6. Brady, Dave (September 3, 1977). "Colts, Patriots Geared Up for Another Battle in the AFC East". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
7. ^ "1980 Baltimore Colts Media Guide". Colts.com. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
8. "New York Jets at Baltimore Colts - September 28th, 1980". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
9. "1982 Baltimore Colts Media Guide". Colts.com. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
10. "Transactions". The New York Times. August 16, 1983. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
11. "Randy Burke". USFLSite. Retrieved March 16, 2024.

External links

• Career statistics from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference

• 1955 births
• Living people
• Players of American football from Miami
• American football wide receivers
• Kentucky Wildcats football players
• Baltimore Colts players