On May 10, 2024, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach at Florida A&M University Henry Burris, KLN ’98, will address the Spring 2024 Klein College of Media and Communication graduating class.
“I would call myself a hybrid human because I feel whatever atmosphere you put me in, I’ll be able to adjust to it,” Burris said.
From on the field roles like quarterback and coach to off the field roles like broadcaster and philanthropist, Burris has been on a relentless pursuit to achieve his goals since his days as a Temple University student-athlete.
Burris arrived in Philadelphia from the small town of Spiro, Oklahoma to play for the Temple football team. Though many people making that move might experience culture shock, Burris said he was nothing but intrigued and excited to be in a big city.
“Temple prepared me for the ups and downs of life,” Burris said. While playing football and studying broadcast, telecommunications and mass media, Burris put together what he calls his “toolbox” of resources for success.
Though he was devastated after not being drafted in the National Football League (NFL), Burris stayed open to other opportunities. That’s when he was contacted by the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders. Just a few weeks after the NFL draft, Burris was on a plane to Canada where he stayed with the Stampeders for three seasons before heading to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2000.
In 2001, Burris came back to America to join the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. The following season, he played for the Chicago Bears before joining NFL Europe. After suffering a knee injury, Burris recommitted to taking care of his body so he could be the best quarterback, and person, he could be. And it paid off – his career lasted another 14 seasons!
Burris returned to the Roughriders in 2003. In 2005, he rejoined the Stampeders and led the team to a Grey Cup victory in 2008. Next, he spent two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before heading to the Ottawa Redblacks where he won a second Grey Cup in 2016, and a third in 2017! Burris’ career accomplishments have earned him a spot in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
In the off season, Burris worked on CTV Ottowa and TSN as a sports broadcaster.
As important as the game was to him, Burris also knew he had the capacity to make an impact off the field.
“We are much more than a one-tiered individual. We have so many gifts that we’re capable of at any given time. Those are the things that I learned from going to a prestigious institution like Temple University,” Burris said.
Burris, along with his wife Nicole, a former Temple lacrosse player, whom he met at the university, started the Henry Burris All Star weekend in Canada in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The program strives to create a bridge for kids to connect with people that can help them achieve their purpose in life. Burris also started the A1R Academy for kids to learn football from local, collegiate and professional quarterbacks.
“It’s not about what you earn in this journey, it’s about how many people you impacted along the way,” Burris said. He and his wife look forward to giving back each year, especially now that they are back home in America.
In 2020, Burris pursued the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program and returned to the Chicago Bears, but this time on the coaching staff. After the fellowship was over, he stayed with the Bears for another season before going to the Jacksonville Jaguars as an Offensive Assistant. He rounded out his NFL coaching experience with the Los Angeles Rams doing offensive quality control and serving as the quarterback coach.
Currently, he is coaching at Florida A&M, where his son will start playing football in the fall.
Burris is honored and excited to be addressing graduates next week. He promises to bring the energy to inspire students and knows that Temple has provided them with the tools they need for success.