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Kurt Burris

Center

Inducted 2000

Date of Birth

6/27/1932

Birthplace

Nowata, OK

School

University of Oklahoma (1951-1954)

Bio

Kurt Burris played center during the one-platoon era when centers also played defense as linebackers. His skill as a blocker and tackler helped Oklahoma to a four-year record of 35-4-2. Burris was consensus All-America in 1954. Kurt grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in a family of 11 children. Kurt had five brothers- Paul, Lynn, Robert, Lyle, and Don. All the boys played college football. Their schools were Oklahoma, Tulsa, and Northeastern State. In 1954, Kurt Burris finished second to Alan Ameche of Wisconsin in the Heisman vote. The Helms Foundation named him Player of the Year, and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association named him Lineman of the Year. After the regular season Burris played in the North-South Game and was captain of the South team. He moved to Billings, Montana, and became president of the Cardinal Drilling Co., involved in oil and gas development. He became involved in civic enterprises and was appointed a trustee of Rocky Mountain College.