Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

There are players on this list who could be ranked higher than where they are listed. It is tough to pinpoint where each player should be ranked. Bill Burrell is one you could make a solid argument should be ranked higher.

Burrell was great as a linebacker and guard for the Illini during the 1950s. He was one of the best we have had come through the program. His talents on the football field got him a lot of national notoriety as well.

In 1958 and 1959, Burrell earned All-American honors and the 1959 selection was a consensus selection. That season was so special, he also finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

While there aren’t a ton of stats on Burrell because he played both guard and linebacker, his honors show how talented he was on the football field. His name does land at the No. 3 spot in single-game tackles with 26, though.

Burrell’s great play also earned him All-Big Ten team selections. He was First-Team All-Big Ten in 1957, 1958 and 1959. He then earned the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award in 1958 as well.

Burrell would go on to get drafted by the then-Chicago Cardinals in the 1960 NFL Draft in the fifth round. He would also get drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 1960 AFL Draft. Both of the teams drafted him at the linebacker position. The accolades Burrell racked up are impressive. He is a great player and earned his spot on this list.