Professional Football Player. For three seasons (1966 to 1967 and 1969), he played at the running back position in the American Football League with the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. Born Robert Clell Burnett, he made his first impression on the football field during his years at Smackover High School in Arkansas. He played collegiate football at the University of Arkansas and while with the Razorbacks, Burnett scored a touchdown which preserved the win for Arkansas over Nebraska (10-7) during the Cotton Bowl Game in 1965. The touchdown is widely regarded as one of the most significant in the school's history. Selected by the Bills during the 4th round of the 1966 AFL Draft, he made an immediate impact on the league, as he earned all star honors while helping the Bills win the AFL Championship Title (1966). Additionally, he received AFL Rookie of the Year honors as he rushed for a career-high 766 yards. Following his retirement from football due to a knee injury, he worked in the real estate industry. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He died from pancreatic cancer.
Professional Football Player. For three seasons (1966 to 1967 and 1969), he played at the running back position in the American Football League with the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. Born Robert Clell Burnett, he made his first impression on the football field during his years at Smackover High School in Arkansas. He played collegiate football at the University of Arkansas and while with the Razorbacks, Burnett scored a touchdown which preserved the win for Arkansas over Nebraska (10-7) during the Cotton Bowl Game in 1965. The touchdown is widely regarded as one of the most significant in the school's history. Selected by the Bills during the 4th round of the 1966 AFL Draft, he made an immediate impact on the league, as he earned all star honors while helping the Bills win the AFL Championship Title (1966). Additionally, he received AFL Rookie of the Year honors as he rushed for a career-high 766 yards. Following his retirement from football due to a knee injury, he worked in the real estate industry. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He died from pancreatic cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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