Sept. 16, 2003

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Late Saturday evening, Northwestern All-America running back Ron Burton passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 67. At Monday's weekly news conference, head football coach Randy Walker began his opening statement with some thoughts on Burton:

"Ron was one of the truly great representatives of Northwestern football and certainly arguably one of the greatest players ever to play here. He was very faithful, very loyal to the Wildcats. He made it a point every year, coming to a practice and speaking to the football team. All four of his sons played football here as well. What is inspirational about Ron Burton's life goes beyond football. Sure, he was a great football player and that's wonderful. He is in the College Football Hall of Fame and that's a super thing. But what made him special, was that he gave so much back to society and his community. Ron Burton is what Northwestern is all about. He represented us in the very best way. As I told the football team, he's in a better place today and our condolences and sympathy go out to his family. He's going to be missed."

Funeral services are being held Thursday in Boston.