Ron Burton shattered expectations on the gridiron, transforming from a Northwestern University standout into the trailblazing first draft pick for the Boston Patriots.
Football Bio
July 25, 1934 – Springfield, Ohio – Ron Burton was born. He was a halfback out of Northwestern University, and he played there from 1957 through the 1959 season. He was entered into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990, according to the National Football Foundation.
His Northwestern career was led by the legendary head coach Era Parsegian.
Mr. Burton was an All-American in 1959.
He also finished 10th that season in the Heisman voting.
In the 1960 AFL draft, he became the Boston Patriots’ first-ever draft pick.
Burton was also the first Patriot to ever rush for 100 yards in a game.
Now there are some great answers for your next NFL trivia contest that you enter, so if you’re in that Boston area, make sure you look up Ron Burton.
Ron Burton leaves behind an incredible legacy that bridges collegiate greatness with professional football history. By setting records at Northwestern and pioneering the Boston Patriots’ rushing attack, he cements his status as a timeless gridiron icon.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1959.
- Heisman Trophy Voting: Finished 10th in 1959.
- 2× First-Team All-Big Ten: 1958, 1959.
- Northwestern University Athletic Hall of Fame: Inductee.
- School Records: Left Northwestern holding the records for most career points (130), most points in a season (76), and most career touchdowns (21).
- NFL/AFL Draft History: Selected as the first-ever draft pick in Boston (New England) Patriots franchise history (1st Round, 1960 AFL Draft). Also selected in the 1st Round (9th overall) of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Professional Milestones: First player in Boston Patriots history to rush for over 100 yards in a single game (127 yards against the Denver Broncos on October 23, 1960).
- Franchise Record Holder: Holds the Patriots’ franchise record for the longest touchdown return on a missed field goal (91 yards in 1962).
