Legendary 2,200-Yard Running Back Has Sadly Died

Burnett suited up for the Razorbacks from 1968 to 1970 under legendary coach Frank Broyles, and he made nearly every carry matter. He finished his career with 49 total touchdowns and 46 rushing touchdowns, numbers that remain school records more than five decades later. Burnett’s single-season mark of 19 rushing touchdowns in 1969 stood for 46 years before Alex Collins finally broke it in 2015, and he still holds the FBS record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown.

Despite standing just 6-foot and weighing 185 pounds, Burnett built his reputation around a signature “up-and-over” style, twisting through the air to fight for extra yardage near the goal line. He scored in the 1969 “Game of the Century” against No. 1 Texas and added another touchdown in the 1970 Sugar Bowl, becoming one of the most clutch playmakers in program history.

In his three seasons at Arkansas, he turned 526 rushing attempts into 2,204 yards. Remarkably, former teammates say Bill Burnett never fumbled once during his entire college career.

Bill Burnett’s Battle With CTE and His Lasting Faith

In his final years, Burnett lived at Clear Creek Memory Care in Fayetteville while dealing with severe memory loss. His wife, Linda, believed he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and Burnett said earlier this year that he was fairly certain the disease had taken hold. Razorback Nation has faced several gut-wrenching losses in recent seasons, and Bill Burnett’s passing adds another painful chapter to that history.

Yet Burnett’s legacy reaches far beyond the football field. He pioneered the Fellowship of Christian Athletes movement across Arkansas and opened a crisis pregnancy center in Fort Smith, both born from his deep faith.

Former teammate and coach Ken Hatfield remembered Burnett as humble despite his stardom.

“He was such a great player and a great touchdown man for the Hogs,” Hatfield said, adding that Burnett always stayed genuine and cared deeply about the people around him.

Burnett is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, and their family. Fans will remember him not just for his records, but for the character he brought to every part of his life.