Buddy Burris

Paul "Buddy" Burris (January 20, 1923 – November 26, 2007) was an American professional football player. He played college football for the Golden Hurricane at University of Tulsa, and after a hiatus to serve in the Second World War, for the Sooners at the University of Oklahoma. Burris was the first Oklahoma player to earn All-America honors in three years. After college, he played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for three years with the Green Bay Packers.

Early life

Burris was born on January 20, 1923, in Nowata, Oklahoma. He was raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma by farmer Paul "Pop" Burris. In 1943, Burris enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Second World War in Europe and Japan. He was also the first Sooner inducted into the Helms Athletic Foundation Football Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Burris was selected in the fifth round of the 1947 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers (31st overall). He played with the Packers for three seasons. In 1949, he saw action in ten games and recorded one interception and recovered one opponent fumble. In 1950, he played in nine games and returned three kickoffs for 18 yards. In 1951, he saw action in seven games and recovered one own team fumble.

After his football career, Burris worked for Dow Chemical Company. He worked for the federal government until his retirement, Burris died of natural causes on November 26, 2007, in Norman, Oklahoma.