Temple University Athletics
Temple’s Burris Earns Enshrinement into Canadian Football Hall of Fame
7.16.20 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – The Canadian Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) and Museum's announced their Class of 2020 today which includes former Temple quarterback Henry Burris. Burris earned the honor in his first year of eligibility.
"Congratulations to Henry Burris on this well-deserved honor," said Temple Acting Director of Athletics Fran Dunphy. "Henry had an incredible career, both here at Temple and in the CFL, but more importantly is a Hall of Fame person. He is a tremendous representative of Temple University and our football program."
Joining Burris in the Player category are offensive linemen Clyde Brock and Freddie Childress, and quarterback Greg Vavra. In the Builder category, former Calgary Stampeders Head Coach and current President and General Manager, John Hufnagel, as well as, former Saint Mary's University coach and Athletic Director, Larry Uteck (posthumously), will be inducted.
Burris played 18 seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, the Roughriders, the Tiger-Cats and the REDBLACKS, totaling 277 regular season games and 17 playoff contests. He is a two-time CFL All-Star and was named a Division All-Star on four occasions. In 2015, he was honored with the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the league and the community.
He played in five Grey Cups and emerged victorious on three occasions (1998 and 2008 with Calgary and 2016 with Ottawa), earning Grey Cup Most Valuable Player twice (2008 and 2016). He was recognized as the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2010 and 2015. Burris retired with 63,639 passing yards to rank third in CFL history, as well as, 373 touchdown passes and a passer efficiency rating of 93.6.
Burris played for Temple from 1993-96 where he threw for 7,495 yards and 49 touchdowns on 558 completions and 1,138 attempts. Those marks stood at the top of TU's record books for over 20 years until P.J. Walker eclipsed them in 2016. Burris was inducted into the Temple Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2018.
"It's one thing to hear people talking about it but you never think it's going to happen'" said Burris immediately after hearing the news. "I'm at a loss for words."
"I would like to thank the Selection Committee for their commitment and dedication in selecting a truly deserving class," said Mark DeNobile, Executive Director of the CFHOF. "Like the classes which have come before them, this year's inductees showcase the best of our game and we are very pleased to see significant representation from throughout the storied history of Canadian football."
"On behalf of the CFL and our fans, congratulations to the six gentlemen who make up the Class of 2020. They have left an incredible lasting legacy on our great game, inspiring generations of young people and players to strive for the greatness they achieved," added CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The inclusion of the Class of 2020 brings the total number of Hall of Fame members to 309. Due to concerns involving the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFHOF enshrinement ceremony previously planned for August 14 and the Hall of Fame Game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa REDBLACKS on August 15 have been postponed.
"This was a difficult, but necessary decision – the health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and staff remain our top priority. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2020 alongside our 2021 inductees in a special event next August," DeNobile added.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Football Hall of Fame operates as a non-profit registered charity. Located in Hamilton, Ont., since 1963, it is home to the Zone of Champions which features a bust of each of its 309 members, as well as, more than 80,000 Canadian football artifacts, ranging from equipment and trophies to photos and videos. The Hall relocated to Tim Hortons Field in 2018. Additional information can be found at CFHOF.ca.
"Congratulations to Henry Burris on this well-deserved honor," said Temple Acting Director of Athletics Fran Dunphy. "Henry had an incredible career, both here at Temple and in the CFL, but more importantly is a Hall of Fame person. He is a tremendous representative of Temple University and our football program."
Joining Burris in the Player category are offensive linemen Clyde Brock and Freddie Childress, and quarterback Greg Vavra. In the Builder category, former Calgary Stampeders Head Coach and current President and General Manager, John Hufnagel, as well as, former Saint Mary's University coach and Athletic Director, Larry Uteck (posthumously), will be inducted.
Burris played 18 seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, the Roughriders, the Tiger-Cats and the REDBLACKS, totaling 277 regular season games and 17 playoff contests. He is a two-time CFL All-Star and was named a Division All-Star on four occasions. In 2015, he was honored with the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the league and the community.
He played in five Grey Cups and emerged victorious on three occasions (1998 and 2008 with Calgary and 2016 with Ottawa), earning Grey Cup Most Valuable Player twice (2008 and 2016). He was recognized as the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2010 and 2015. Burris retired with 63,639 passing yards to rank third in CFL history, as well as, 373 touchdown passes and a passer efficiency rating of 93.6.
Burris played for Temple from 1993-96 where he threw for 7,495 yards and 49 touchdowns on 558 completions and 1,138 attempts. Those marks stood at the top of TU's record books for over 20 years until P.J. Walker eclipsed them in 2016. Burris was inducted into the Temple Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2018.
"It's one thing to hear people talking about it but you never think it's going to happen'" said Burris immediately after hearing the news. "I'm at a loss for words."
"I would like to thank the Selection Committee for their commitment and dedication in selecting a truly deserving class," said Mark DeNobile, Executive Director of the CFHOF. "Like the classes which have come before them, this year's inductees showcase the best of our game and we are very pleased to see significant representation from throughout the storied history of Canadian football."
"On behalf of the CFL and our fans, congratulations to the six gentlemen who make up the Class of 2020. They have left an incredible lasting legacy on our great game, inspiring generations of young people and players to strive for the greatness they achieved," added CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The inclusion of the Class of 2020 brings the total number of Hall of Fame members to 309. Due to concerns involving the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFHOF enshrinement ceremony previously planned for August 14 and the Hall of Fame Game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa REDBLACKS on August 15 have been postponed.
"This was a difficult, but necessary decision – the health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and staff remain our top priority. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2020 alongside our 2021 inductees in a special event next August," DeNobile added.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Football Hall of Fame operates as a non-profit registered charity. Located in Hamilton, Ont., since 1963, it is home to the Zone of Champions which features a bust of each of its 309 members, as well as, more than 80,000 Canadian football artifacts, ranging from equipment and trophies to photos and videos. The Hall relocated to Tim Hortons Field in 2018. Additional information can be found at CFHOF.ca.
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