Bruce's Blog

THE biggest name in Rutgers football history passes away
Posted 7/16/2012 12:38:00 AM

     In all due respect to the likes of Greg Schiano, Ray Rice, Brian Leonard, Marco Battaglia, Nate Toran and Alex Kroll, the discussion of who is the biggest AND most important name in Rutgers football history begins and ends with Frank Burns, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 84.  As a player in the Scarlet Knights' post-war glory days in the late 1940's was quarterback Frank Burns, a bonafide All-America.  As a coach, not only is he the winningest in RU history but Burns also led the Knights to an undefeated season in 1976, their first bowl game in 1978 and arguably the greatest win in school history, the famous 13-7 victory at Tennessee in 1979.  But, beyond that, he was a true leader of young men, not only on the gridiron but in their lives.  Everyone who played for Burns credits him for their exploits on the field and in life.  As Rutgers Athletics Director Tim Pernetti so eloquently said, Frank Burns' legacy will forever live on the "Banks of the Old Raritan."

Posted By: Bruce Johnson's Blog  

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  1. DonR posted on 07/16/2012 12:57 PM
    Well said. Unfortunateky he got the shaft from a RU looking for bigger time, and in the end he was bigger then any past and present.
    RIP Frank
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