Producing the most NFF National Scholar-Athletes in the history of the awards, Nebraska’s Rex Burkhead continues the Huskers’ tradition of athletic and academic prowess as he becomes the school’s 21st selection.
A nominee for the 2012-13 Nebraska Male Student-Athlete of the Year, Burkhead was named a First Team Academic All-American in 2011 and has twice been named as an Academic All-Conference honoree. Hailing from Plano, Texas, he was named to the Big 12 Academic Honor Roll from 2009-11 before Nebraska joined the Big Ten.
Burkhead, who was named an Honorable Mention All-America selection as a junior, holds the school record for single-game carries (38) and tied the school record for most consecutive games with a touchdown (10). The two-time all-conference performer is coming off a stellar 2011 campaign, boasting more than 1,300 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns, and seven 100-yard rushing games. Twice named “Nebraska Lifter of the Year,” Burkhead is on pace to finish his career near the top of the Huskers’ career rushing charts. This season he has rushed 43 times for 392 yards and three touchdowns.
A staple in Lincoln community outreach, Burkhead is the reigning Uplifting Athletes’ National Rare Disease Champion for his friendship and mentorship of a six-year-old boy with pediatric brain cancer. College Football Hall of Fame coach and Nebraska Athletics Director Dr. Tom Osborne calls Burkhead’s relationship with the boy “inspirational to many people.” A three-time member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team, Burkhead also participates in anti-bullying and sportsmanship PSAs, speaks on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was named to the 2012 AFCA Good Works Team.
Burkhead was selected in the sixth round (190th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in 10 games in the last two seasons, rushing for 27 yards and a touchdown and catching seven passes for 49 yards. After winning a Super Bowl with the New Enland Patriots, he is currently a member of the Houston Texans.
