Leon Burns (1987) - Hall of Fame - Long Beach State University Athletics

Leon Burns

Induction:
1987

To 49er fans, Burns was Superman. A 225-pound tailback, he could bench press 450 pounds and run the 40 in 4.5 seconds. He could also play football, earning first team, collegiate division All-America recognitition in 1970 and 1971. The only player ever to represent LBSU in the now defunct College All-Star game, Burns set the NCAA Division-II record for carries (35) and all-purpose plays (360) in a season. Burns, who once rushed for 300 yards in a single game, also set school-records for career carries (655), rushing yards (2809), points (304) and touchdowns (50). A first round choice of the San Diego Chargers in 1971, Burns was hampered by injuries thoughout his pro career and saw limited action with the Chargers, and St. Louis Cardinals. Burns was shot to death in an unsolved murder in December, 1985.