Ode Burrell (1995) - Hall of Fame

Ode Burrell

Induction:
1995
Class:
1963

Ode Burrel played football for the Bulldogs from 1962 to 1963. He started on both offense and defense as a tailback and cornerback. After leaving Mississippi State, Burrell went on to have an outstanding career in the NFL.
While at MSU, Burrell was nothing short of one of the best. He won MVP of the Liberty Bowl, MVP and Best Offensive Back in the Senior Bowl, Best Offensive Back in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game, and tied for the most touchdowns in the Senior Bowl as well. He was the leading punter, punt returner, and kickoff-returner in 1962-63 and was a Coaches All-American, and received All-SEC honors. MSU did not lose a game in which Burrell played the entirety of in 1963, and he completed 100% of his passes that year, even throwing a touchdown against Ole Miss. He also played in the East-West All-Star game in '63 and the College All-American Game against the Green Bay Packers.
Burrell was a top-five draft pick by the Houston Oilers and the Green Bay Packers, but chose to play with the Oilers. While with the Oilers, he ran a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown on the first play he ever saw in the NFL. He was the MVP of the Oilers in 1967, leading the team in rushing, and played in the Pro Bowl in 1968. In 1967, he was chosen to have his portrait painted and hung in the office of the Houston Oilers' owner.
Once he retired from the NFL in 1969, he went on to be a coach in the high school scene, leading many schools to championships in a multitude of sports. Burrell passed away in 2009, having had a fantastic career both on and off the field.