Ken Burrough: The Last of the Double Zeros
Ken Burrough was born July 14, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida. A dynamic receiver who became a Houston legend and the final player to wear the iconic “00.”
College Career
Ken Burrough was a two-sport standout at Texas Southern University, excelling in both football and track from 1967 to 1969. As a wide receiver for the Tigers, he became one of the most prolific pass-catchers in school history, amassing 138 receptions for 1,912 yards and 19 touchdowns. His stellar play on the gridiron earned him Second-Team All-American honors in 1969. He also showcased his blazing speed as a standout sprinter, earning a spot on several record-setting relay teams. This skill would translate directly to his success at the professional level.
Road to the Pro Game
Burrough’s exceptional college career led to him being drafted in the first round (10th overall) of the 1970 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He played just one season in New Orleans before a trade sent him to the Houston Oilers in 1971, a move that would define his career. In Houston, he flourished and quickly became the team’s top receiving threat. Wearing the distinctive number “00,” he became a fan favorite during the Oilers’ “Luv Ya Blue” era, known for his explosive speed and big-play ability.
Football Legacy
Ken Burrough’s legacy is defined by his time with the Houston Oilers, where he spent 11 seasons terrorizing defenses. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 1975 with 1,063 yards, a remarkable achievement in an era dominated by the running game. He was a cornerstone of the Oilers’ offense during their two runs to the AFC Championship game in the late 1970s. Burrough is also forever etched in NFL history as the last player to wear the “00” jersey before the league’s rules were changed. A true pioneer and a symbol of an era, his name remains synonymous with the Houston Oilers.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Pro Bowl (1975, 1977)
- Second-team All-Pro (1977)
- NFL Receiving Yards Leader (1975)
- Black College Football Hall of Fame (2016)
- Career Receptions: 421
- Career Receiving Yards: 7,102
- Career Touchdowns: 49
