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Broncos' Burton makes brief homecoming
Although he didn't see game action Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Hill High School graduate and current Denver Bronco Antwon Burton did get to see the most important person in his life last weekend- his mother, LaDoris.
Burton, a defensive tackle, experienced a homecoming of sorts last weekend, although the Broncos designated him inactive for Denver's last-second 15-14 win over Buffalo.
Although the Times did not see Burton's massive 6-foot, 3-inch, 315-pound frame on the turf at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday, Burton did talk via cell phone later that evening.
"It was definitely something I won't forget," Burton said of his trip with the Broncos to Orchard Park.
Coming from the Western New York area, it’s great to be able to come back and see family and friends.”
By family, Burton means his mother. Raised almost entirely by his mother, Burton gradually developed both physically and mentally at Cleveland Hill and later at Erie Community College and Temple University. He credits his mother’s influence for his achievements.
“I know I wouldn’t have made it to where I am now without her help,” Burton said. “She’s a great person.”
Burton said he still maintains friendships, although mostly by phone, with former Cleve Hill teammates, especially quarterback Myron Lee.
“Everyone’s doing their own thing now,” Burton said of his old pals. “A lot of them have kids, are working all the time or things like that.”
Success hasn’t always come easily for Burton. He struggled off and on with academics at Cleve Hill and briefly at Temple. After beating the odds to be signed by Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2006, he spent a year on the practice squad and had to beat out several other tackles this summer during training camp to make the final 53-man roster.
“You just go out and do the best you can,” Burton said of the up-for-grab roster spots. “You can’t worry if another player you’re competing with is doing this or that. All I wanted to do is show the coaches my ability and that I could play.”
Burton saw action in one game last season at Oakland, recording two tackles. Several fans wrote positive material backing Burton on message boards throughout the Broncos’ preseason. He said he appreciates positive feedback from others.
“A lot of people have been good to me throughout high school to now, and I appreciate that,” Burton said. “You see who your true friends are.”
Denver hosts AFC West rival Oakland Sunday at home, with kickoff scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
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