Hall of Fame
Another all-time great defensive back for the Blue Tigers, Willie Burkes ranks third on Lincoln's career interception list, having snared 15 opposing passes during his four-year career. Along with Johnson, Burkes is also tied for the season interception record with seven, having set the mark in 1970, his sophomore year. Burkes had the proud distinction of being one of the team captains of the 1972 Blue Tiger football team, which went 9-1 (the best mark in Lincoln history) and won the MIAA. Burkes was voted first team All-MIAA as a cornerback that year. Also a talented return man, Burkes owns the school records for most punt returns in a season (34) and career (69).
Following the end of his Lincoln career, Burkes signed with the Houston Oilers of the NFL. Though he was eventually waived by the Oilers, Burkes later signed with and played for both the Birmingham Vulcans of the World Football League and the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, making Burkes one of 14 Blue Tigers to play professional football.
