Home IMPACT Blog Ben Burr-Kirven is “more than a football player”

Ben Burr-Kirven is “more than a football player”

by Grace DeWitt
1K views

Voters selected Washington’s Ben Burr-Kirven the Week 4 Lott IMPACT Player of the Week after his twenty-tackle performance in the Huskies’ 27-20 win over Arizona State.

On the first day of the new school year, the linebacker received a call from Ronnie Lott to congratulate him on the weekly honor and to learn more about the young man under the helmet.

Lott first asked the senior from where he draws his intensity. Burr-Kirven explained he’s been that way his whole life and “never looked back.” Wanting to go out and make the tackle just comes naturally, he said.

The linebacker went on to say he’s been playing sports since age 2, and that playing football at this level was something he’s always wanted to do. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” he added.

The concern that he was undersized coming out of high school powered the Menlo Park native to achieve the success that he has as a Husky. “When I am out the field, I make the most of the opportunity that has been given to me,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Washington coaching staff for the opportunity to play and develop his game.

Off the field, Washington’s leader on the defense prioritizes his family and his time in the classroom. “I am more than a football player,” he remarked.

The senior linebacker emphasized his parents’ huge role in his life, reflecting on the hours spent driving him to practice, helping him when he was injured, and acting as motivators.

“There is more to life than just playing football,” Burr-Kirven continued. He underscored the importance of putting in work in the classroom, acknowledging, “The NFL is no guarantee.”

Catch Ben Burr-Kirven in Week 5 when Washington hosts Brigham Young on Saturday, September 29th at 5:30 pm PST.

Related Articles