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Living a Dream
Keenan Burton makes an impact in NFL
By Jerome Hubbard
Special to Stlouisrams.com
So many people have dreams and aspirations of playing in the NFL. Thousands play in high school, a select few go on to play in college, but only the elite play at the next level and Keenan Burton was one of those.
Born on October 29, 1984, Burton became interested in sports at a very young age. But it wasn’t until high school that Burton hit his stride and began developing into the athlete he is today.
“When I was younger I played quarterback because they put their best athletes there,” Burton said. “When I went to college, I knew that I wanted to play wide receiver and the University of Kentucky gave me that opportunity.”
That opportunity would not have happened were it not for the doctors who had to revive Keenan after he was born. Burton, who had fluid on his brain, suffered from a significant heart problem and his heart failed when he was a baby. Burton had to spend the first two months of his life in the hospital and while he may not have understood what was going on at such a young age, he never looked back once he went home with his parents, who nurtured him to health.
“Looking back, from the moment I got out of the hospital, maybe I was meant to be some kind of example.” Burton said. “For those who don’t believe in themselves and don’t believe that they can come from where I came from, people can look at my story and see that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
Burton was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 draft (128th overall). Rookies can be overwhelmed by the transition to the NFL, but for Burton the conversion wasn’t difficult. The shift from college to pro was made easier due to the fact that Burton played his colligate career in pro-style offense at the University of Kentucky and had an opportunity to play in environments and stadiums rivaled or surpassed that seen in the NFL.
“In college football there is no bigger stage other than the Southeast Conference,” Burton said. “Every game is a playoff game and everybody is big. Everybody is fast. The only thing I had to adjust to (in the NFL) was the playbook and how to be a receiver at this level.”
Burton, who overcame an early-season injury that sidelined him for three games, has 8 receptions for 101 yards and six special teams tackles. He remains grateful for his opportunity and realizes that he is still a work in progress.
“I am grateful for what God did for me,” Burton said. “He put me in this position but nothing is guaranteed.”
“My dream is to never be forgotten,” Burton added. “I want to be well respected and I want people to remember me.”
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