LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Randall “Randy” William Burke, a former NFL wide receiver who played for the University of Kentucky and later worked as a senior marketing consultant at WKYT, died overnight. He was 70.
Burke was born May 26, 1955, in Miami, Florida. He attended Southwest Miami Senior High School, where he played football and track.
Former WKYT senior sales consultant Randy Burke at his retirement celebration in 2017
Former WKYT senior sales consultant Randy Burke at his retirement celebration in 2017(WKYT)
College career at Kentucky
Burke earned a football scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he played wide receiver from 1973 to 1977. He appeared in 33 games and recorded 37 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns.
His standout performance came at the 1977 Senior Bowl, where he set a then-record with 11 receptions for 126 yards. The performance drew attention from NFL scouts.
Professional football career
The Baltimore Colts selected Burke with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft. An injury cut short his rookie season, but he returned to play four more seasons with the Colts from 1978 to 1981.
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Burke contributed on special teams with blocked punts and a safety. His best statistical season came in 1980, when he recorded 14 receptions for 185 yards and three touchdowns.
After leaving the Colts, Burke briefly joined the Los Angeles Raiders training camp in 1983. He played one game for the Washington Federals in the USFL in 1984 before ending his professional football career.
Television career
Burke started at WKYT in 1988 and retired in 2017 as a senior marketing consultant after 29 years with the station.
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