Burgess spent his childhood growing up in the Deep South during a period when the barriers of segregation were being torn down. He was the third Black American to be offered a football scholarship at the University of Miami. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry and simultaneously gained national recognition as a First Team All-American.

During his college career, Burgess was named to Who’s Who among College Students in American Universities and Colleges. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame of Outstanding College Athletes of America and later to the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame and the Orange Bowl Ring of Honor.

Following college, the New York Jets choose Burgess in the NFL 1st round as the draft’s first defensive back, and 13th overall pick. Later that year he was selected as the Jets Rookie of the Year and to the NFL’s All- Rookie team. Entering his seventh season he was traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he led the Raiders defensive squad in tackles during their Championship season and in the 1981 Super Bowl XV game. In his final season, in 1982, Burgess led the Raider’s team in interceptions and was selected as a First Alternate to the NFL All Pro-Bowl.

Since retiring from the NFL, Burgess has been involved in corporate and entrepreneurial endeavors. As a Black Conservative he has traveled throughout the country speaking about the intrinsic principles of freedom that underlie the foundation of our American culture. He envisions the Conservative message, ensconced within Judea Christian values, as the means of resurrecting the once independent and productive Black Community. This same message will also pull our nation back from the dark abyss of Socialism. He is a best selling author, a frequent contributor on the Fox News Channel and has written articles for media outlets that include Fox News Opinion, Breitbart and WorldNet Dailey.