Buckley Named a Burlsworth Nominee

Fayetteville, Ark. — Michael Buckley, a walk-on receiver who played a grand total of one game over his first three seasons before playing every game this season and having a breakout game against Colorado State has been named as New Mexico’s nominee for the prestigious Burlsworth Trophy, one of  78 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country.

The award is in its fifteenth year and it is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth’s life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER”, which was released in 2016.

 The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a Walk-On and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.

Buckley entering the eighth game of the season against Colorado State had played a grand total of seven snaps on offense over his first 43 career games, but after an injury, he was pressed into service and caught seven passes (out of eight targets with the one non-catch being a ball over his head and out of bounds) for 90 yards and five first downs.  He was awarded a scholarship at the following Monday’s team meeting, and he earned his first career start the following week against Wyoming.

The 2024 Burlsworth Trophy nominees are:

“The walk-on athlete is an integral part of college football, it’s in the very fabric of the game,” said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. “All of these nominees have embraced this opportunity and made the very most of it. It’s certainly not an easy path, but through hard work and determination, they have made their dreams come true.”

Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those children who have limited opportunities.

The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2024 winner will be on December 9, at 7:00pm CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.  For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit  burlsworthtrophy.com.