| No. 84, 88 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | (1955-05-26)May 26, 1955 (age 69) Miami, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Southwest Miami (FL) | ||||||||||
| College: | Kentucky | ||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 1977: 1st round, 26th pick | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Randall William Burke (born May 26, 1955) is an American former professionalfootball player who playedwide receiver in theNational Football League (NFL) for five seasons from 1977 to 1981. Burke playedcollege football at theUniversity of Kentucky before he was drafted in the first round of the1977 NFL draft as the 26th overall selection by theBaltimore Colts.[1]
Randy Burke was born on May 26, 1955, inMiami, Florida. He attendedSouthwest Miami Senior High School inOlympia Heights, Florida where he played football and rantrack. 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.[2]
Burke attended the University of Kentucky from 1973 to 1977. TheWildcats used a run-oriented offense during Burke's time on the team, which led to minimal production from him.[2] During his college career, Burke appeared in 33 games with 37 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns.[3] Despite his limited role, Burke received an invite to the 1977Senior Bowl where he set a then-Senior Bowl record of 11 receptions for 126 yards.[2][4][5]
Burke's Senior Bowl performance, combined with a fast showing in the 40-yard dash, impressed NFL scouts.[2] Burke was selected by theBaltimore Colts with the 26th overall pick in the1977 NFL draft.
Burke missed the entire1977 season after suffering a separated shoulder during the first week of training camp.[6][7]
In 1978, Burke appeared in 15 games, mainly on special teams. In the Colts' week six game against theSt. Louis Cardinals, Burke blocked aSteve Little punt. In week nine of the 1978 season, Burke was credited with a safety against theMiami Dolphins.[7]
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 theKansas City Chiefs, where he recorded three receptions for 54 yards. His longest catch of the season went for 59 yards against theBuffalo Bills in week eight.[7] Burke continued to produce on special teams, with eight tackles and four assisted tackles on kickoff coverage and three tackles on punt coverage.[7]
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 quarterbackBert Jones during a week four victory against theNew York Jets.[8] 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.[5]
In 1981, his final season with the Colts, Burke had 10 receptions for 153 yards. His best offensive performance came in week 16 against theNew 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 theCleveland Browns in week eight.[9]
Burke was a member of theLos Angeles Raiders during their 1983 training camp, but was released before the start of the season.[10]
Burke played in one game for theWashington Federals of theUnited States Football League during the1984 season, recording one reception for seven yards.[11]
| NFL career stats | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | ||||||
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |||
| 1977 | BAL | 0 | 0 | Injured Reserve | |||||
| 1978 | BAL | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1979 | BAL | 16 | 2 | 6 | 151 | 25.2 | 59 | 0 | |
| 1980 | BAL | 10 | 0 | 14 | 185 | 13.2 | 19 | 3 | |
| 1981 | BAL | 16 | 1 | 10 | 153 | 15.3 | 24 | 0 | |
| Career | 57 | 3 | 30 | 489 | 16.3 | 59 | 3 | ||
| USFL career stats | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | ||||||
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |||
| 1984 | WAS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 | |
| Career | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 | ||