Houston Oilers great and former wide receiver, Kenny Burrough, has passed away at the age of 73, his family announced on Thursday.
Tennessee Titans owner, Amy Adams Strunk, released a statement on the passing of Burrough:
“We have lost another great from the Luv Ya Blue era with the passing of Kenny Burrough,” Strunk said. “Kenny provided the aerial threat and the big plays for Bum Phillips’ Oiler teams, leading the league in receiving one season and earning two Pro Bowls over his 11 seasons in Houston. At the time of his retirement, he was the franchise leader in career receiving yards and he still ranks third currently. I will fondly remember his distinctive double zero jersey racing down the field on another long touchdown.
“It was great to see him at our last Oilers reunion, spending time with his teammates and reliving their special moments together. On behalf of our organization, I send our condolences to his family and his teammates. He will be missed.”
A former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1970, Burrough was traded to the Oilers in 1971 and went on to become one of the best wide receivers in franchise history.
Ken Burrough was No. 10 overall pick the year before he was shipped to #Oilers by the #Saints.@KHOUSportsMatt and I both shocked New Orleans moved on from him so quickly.
Here's why…a toe injury & perceived lack of toughness, according to 1976 @AP_NFL story @BudsOilers pic.twitter.com/jOwYVkdl5y— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) February 25, 2022
Burrough spent 11 seasons in Houston, tallying 408 receptions for 6,906 yards and 48 total touchdowns. He ranks third in franchise history in receiving yards.
The Texans Southern product was a two-time Pro Bowler, with his best season coming in 1975 when he had a career-high 1,063 receiving yards.
Burrough, who wore No. 00 during his career, is the last player in NFL history to don the number in a regular season game.