Don "The Blade" Burroughs- Athlete

Don came out of Fillmore High School as one of the area's most decorated athletes.  His accomplishments in fours sports were outstanding. Don was firat all league selections in football, basketball, and baseball.  He won the gold medal in the high jump (5'11'') the All County track meet.

Don attended Ventura College from 1950-1952.  His notable accomplishments during thos years include: (1951) Honorable Mention Little All American and All Western State Conference quarterback.  He was also a vital member of th 1951 basketball squad that won the California State Championship.

From 1952-1953, Don attended Colorado A&M (now known as Colorado State University) on an athletic scholarship.  Both years Don was selected as the All Skyline Conference quarterback, and he was Honorable Mention Little All American (1953).

After college, Don was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, and in 1955 he won the Ram's Rookie of the Year award.  Don was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and played five years for them.  In Don's eleven years in professional football, he intercepted 50 passes, which to this day remains on the 20 career interception list.  And to think, the league when Don played had only twelve games, not anywhere close to the seventeen or more game season played today.

Don's great accomplishments over the years did not go unnoticed.  He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the following: Fillmore High School, Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame, California Junior College, and Colorado State University.  Don counts as former teammates some legendary football players, such as Bob Waterfield and Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (Rams), and Norm Van Brocklin (Eagles).

Don is proud to say that "it was a great thrill" and he's had a great life!