Burgess Owens made a historic impact at Rickards High School as a two-sport athlete and one of the first four African American players to integrate a historically white high school football team.
 
Though high school athletic statistical records are scarce during his time of play, Owens has the accolades that speak for themselves. He was named first team All-Big Bend in football and basketball and won a regional football championship. The team captain also bore the honors of All-American in football his senior year.
 
After high school, Owens became the third black student to be awarded a football scholarship at the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. At Miami, he was named first-team All-American and the Most Valuable Player of both the North and South All-Star game and the Coaches All-American game. In 1980, Owens was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, followed by an induction into the Orange Bowl Ring of Honor in 1999.
 
In 1973, Owens was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL Draft. He became a First All-Rookie team member and was designated as Rookie of the Year. He eventually won a Superbowl Championship with the Oakland Raiders and was a Pro Bowl first team alternate.
 
Perhaps his biggest legacy is off the football field. Owens makes a difference through the non-profit organization he founded, “Second Chance 4 Youth,” which is dedicated to mentoring, teaching, and preparing youth. He also currently serves as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Utah’s 4th district.