Randy Burke

Randall William Burke (May 26, 1955 – November 18, 2025) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for five seasons with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1977 to 1981. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats before he was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft with the 26th overall pick. He also played for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League (USFL).

Early life Randall William Burke was born in Miami, Florida, on May 26, 1955. He attended Southwest Miami Senior High School in Olympia Heights, Florida, where he played football and ran track. Southwest went 0-9-1 in Burke's senior season, leaving Burke with little hope to receive a college football scholarship. He began to pursue a track scholarship, but through his high school track coach, he made contact with the University of Kentucky's football team and eventually earned a football scholarship to play for the Wildcats.

College career Burke attended the University of Kentucky from 1973 to 1977. The Wildcats used a run-oriented offense during Burke's time on the team, which led to minimal production from him. Despite his limited role, Burke received an invite to the 1977 Senior Bowl where he set a then-Senior Bowl record of 11 receptions for 126 yards.

Professional career Baltimore Colts (1977–1981) Burke's Senior Bowl performance, combined with a fast showing in the 40-yard dash, impressed NFL scouts. Burke missed his entire rookie season in 1977 after suffering a separated shoulder during the first week of training camp. Injuries would plague his early career, as he would later suffer from knee issues that required surgery and a bad bruise on his heel to start the 1979 season.

In 1978, Burke appeared in 15 games, mainly on special teams. In the Colts' week six game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Burke blocked a punt from Steve Little. In week nine of the 1978 season, Burke was credited with a safety against the Miami Dolphins. He was given a suspended $5,000 fine and a suspended 3 year jail sentence for his actions.

Burke saw more playing time at wide receiver during the 1979 season. He started in two games and had six receptions for 151 yards during the season. His longest catch of the season went for 59 yards against the Buffalo Bills in week eight. Burke continued to produce on special teams, with eight tackles and four assisted tackles on kickoff coverage and three tackles on punt coverage. Burke also continued to appear on special teams. and he missed six games throughout the 1980 season. His best offensive performance came in week 16 against the New England Patriots when he had five receptions for 69 yards. He continued to play well on special teams, leading the punt coverage unit with seven tackles and four assisted tackles,

Burke was cut from the Colts' roster on September 6, 1982.

Los Angeles Raiders (1983) Burke was a member of the Los Angeles Raiders during their 1983 training camp, but was released before the start of the season.

Washington Federals (1984) Burke played in one game for the Washington Federals of the United States Football League during the 1984 season, recording one reception for seven yards. He would eventually retire after the season, citing being "banged up" from his injuries.

Personal life and death Burke majored in business while attending college. After retiring from the NFL Burke worked at WKYT for 29 years as a senior marketing consultant. He retired in 2017. Burke died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 70.

Professional career statistics

NFL NFL career stats Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1977 BAL 0 0 Injured Reserve 1978 BAL 15 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1979 BAL 16 2 6 151 25.2 59 0 1980 BAL 10 0 14 185 13.2 19 3 1981 BAL 16 1 10 153 15.3 24 0 Career 57 3 30 489 16.3 59 3

USFL USFL career stats Year Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1984 WAS 1 0 1 7 7.0 7 0 Career 1 0 1 7 7.0 7 0