Keenan Burton, star WR and kick returner, joins latest class of UK Athletics Hall of Fame

Keenan Burton, a star wide receiver and kick returner for Kentucky from 2003 to 2007, has joined the latest class of the Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame.

He finished his career second in program history in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and fourth in school history in pass receptions. A key player in the middle of the Rich Brooks era, Burton was also a three-time All-SEC honoree, and on multiple academic and community-service related teams throughout his college career. His contributions helped the UK football team win the Music City Bowl in 2006 and 2007.

“I appreciate it, I’ve been waiting for this call, and this means a lot to me,” Burton said on a call with Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart when he learned he was inducted.

Burton finished his career fourth in school history in pass receptions (189), second in UK history for receiving yardage (2,376) and TD catches (25). He was a three-year All-SEC honoree, including first-team honors as a junior. As a junior and senior, he Led UK in receiving, and also set UK career record for kickoff return average (25.6-yard average, min. 50 returns). He played 2 years in the NFL before he suffered a career-ending injury.

Welcome to the @UKAthletics Hall of Fame, KEENAN BURTON!

Check out the moment the @UKFootball alumni got his “call to the hall” ⬇ pic.twitter.com/EXqi0OPbJu

— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) July 7, 2022

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.