(added by Ken Shires   Feb 22, 2023)

Willie was perhaps the most well-loved, classmate of the Enloe Class of 1970. He had an uplifting smile to match his seemingly constant good humor.

That said, to my considerable regret, I did not know him as well as I appreciated and respected him. (I hope those that were privileged to know him well will feel free to share.

Without having personal anecdotes about Willie, I am determined to share some of the accolades he earned with his wonderful athleticism:   

Willie Burden – 1971-73 – Burden won the ACC Player of the Year award in 1973 (1 of 2 running backs in school history to do so) after a monster season. He became the first running back in NC State history to rush for over 1,000 yards, leading the ACC in rushing (1,014) in 1973. Burden is one of only five players in NC State history to lead the ACC in rushing in a single season.  What makes this feat more impressive is that he did this while sharing the backfield with the “Stallions”, which consisted of fullback Stan Fritts, and running backs Roland Hooks and Charley Young. For context, Fritts and Hooks both almost rushed for 700 yards in 1973.  Burden was nearly impossible to bring down in ’73, averaging 6.8 yards per carry (2nd highest season average in NC State history). NC State won the ACC Championship in 1973, and Burden was a huge reason why. Burden was a 1st Team All-ACC selection in 1972 & 73.--