Trey Burton’s journey from an unheralded recruit to a Florida Gators legend has now come full circle, as he takes his rightful place among the state’s all-time greats. On a celebratory evening filled with emotion and pride, the former Florida Gators star was officially inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame—a testament not just to his incredible athletic achievements, but to the lasting legacy he’s left on and off the field.
Burton’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and excellence. Arriving at the University of Florida as part of the 2010 recruiting class, he was considered a versatile athlete but not necessarily a sure-fire star. That narrative would quickly change. As a freshman under then-head coach Urban Meyer, Burton etched his name into Gators lore with one of the most memorable performances in school history. In a single night against Kentucky, he accounted for six total touchdowns—five rushing and one passing—tying Tim Tebow’s school record for most touchdowns in a game. That game not only made national headlines but also signaled the arrival of a special player with a rare combination of skill, intelligence, and grit.
Burton’s college career was defined by his versatility. He played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and even lined up at tight end—often all within the same game. His selflessness and football IQ made him an invaluable asset to the Gators’ offense. Coaches trusted him, teammates respected him, and fans adored him. He finished his career at Florida with 720 rushing yards, 976 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns—solid stats, but they barely capture the full scope of his impact.
Beyond the numbers, Burton was the kind of leader every program dreams of. He brought energy, professionalism, and a team-first mentality that lifted those around him. While Florida experienced its share of ups and downs during his tenure, Burton’s consistent presence offered stability and leadership. Whether he was scoring game-changing touchdowns or blocking downfield for a teammate, he gave everything he had every time he stepped onto the field.
After going undrafted in 2014, Burton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, beginning a professional journey that would again highlight his ability to overcome the odds. He started his NFL career as a special teams standout, quickly earning a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and intelligent players in that phase of the game. But it was in 2017 that Burton reached the pinnacle of football success—and solidified his place in history.
In Super Bowl LII, Burton delivered the most iconic play of the game—and perhaps of his entire career. With the Eagles facing fourth-and-goal near the end of the first half, head coach Doug Pederson called a trick play now known as the “Philly Special.” Burton, a tight end at the time, took a reverse handoff and lofted a perfect touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles, catching the New England Patriots completely off guard. The play became an instant classic, a defining moment of the Eagles’ first-ever Super Bowl win, and a permanent entry into the NFL’s highlight reels.
The “Philly Special” earned Burton national acclaim, but it was just one moment in a career full of them. He went on to sign a lucrative free-agent deal with the Chicago Bears and continued to contribute at a high level before finishing his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. Though injuries limited him at times, Burton’s professionalism, character, and football acumen were never in question.
Off the field, Burton has been equally impactful. Known for his faith, humility, and philanthropy, he has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives. He and his wife have worked closely with organizations supporting children with special needs and families facing hardship. In the locker room and in the community, Burton has always led by example—a man guided by strong values and a deep sense of purpose.
That broader influence is part of why his induction into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame feels so fitting. The Hall recognizes not just athletic greatness, but also the contributions athletes make to the fabric of the state’s sports culture. In Burton’s case, his journey from Venice High School to the Swamp, to Super Bowl glory, and now to eternal recognition within Florida’s sporting pantheon, reflects everything the Hall of Fame aims to celebrate: talent, perseverance, leadership, and community impact.
The induction ceremony was a moment of reflection and gratitude. Burton, accompanied by family, friends, and former teammates, delivered a heartfelt speech in which he thanked those who had believed in him from the start—his coaches, his wife, his children, and especially his mother, who played an instrumental role in his life. He acknowledged the University of Florida for giving him the platform to grow both as an athlete and as a man, and he credited his faith for guiding him through both triumphs and setbacks.
Current and former Gators players took to social media to congratulate Burton, with many calling him one of the most respected and humble teammates they ever had. Florida head coach Billy Napier also released a statement lauding Burton’s “legacy of excellence and integrity,” saying he continues to serve as a role model for current Gators looking to make their mark.
Burton’s induction also sparks conversations about how college programs evaluate success. While he never won a Heisman or led Florida to a national title, his cumulative impact—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond—may ultimately be more enduring. His career reminds us that greatness isn’t always captured by awards or headlines; sometimes it’s defined by leadership, grit, and doing the little things right every single day.
With his Hall of Fame induction, Trey Burton now joins an elite group of Florida athletes whose accomplishments transcend the scoreboard. His legacy is etched in record books, remembered in highlight reels, and immortalized in the hearts of fans who watched him defy expectations again and again.
For young athletes growing up in Florida—or anywhere, for that matter—Burton’s story offers a powerful lesson. You don’t have to be the biggest, fastest, or most hyped player to leave an indelible mark. What matters most is how you approach your opportunities, how you uplift others, and how you carry yourself when nobody’s watching. By those measures, Trey Burton is not just a Hall of Famer—he’s a blueprint for what greatness truly looks like.
Now, as his name hangs proudly among the legends of Florida sports, Trey Burton’s journey offers inspiration for future generations of Gators and Floridians alike. His story is no longer just his own—it’s part of the wider narrative of Florida sports excellence, a chapter that will be read and remembered for years to come.
