Ed Burns was the first offensive lineman in school history to earn first team All-America recognition, capping a standout career in 1976 with the honor. In fact, Burns was named a consensus All-American by both the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. A year earlier, the 6-foot-5, 240 pounder was an honorable mention All-America pick.

A four-year letterman from 1973-1976 under Coach Don Wade, Burns was twice named all-Ohio Valley Conference, first in helping Tech claim the 1975 league championship, and again in 1976 when he served as team captain on the second-place squad. After a 2-8-1 freshman season, Burns started having a major impact on Tech’s football fortunes. The team went 6-5 in 1974, then posted back-to-back 8-3 campaigns, including a two-year mark of 11-3 against the league.

With Burns clearing the way, Tech led the OVC in total offense and in points per game.

Born in Nashville and raised in Tullahoma, Tenn., Burns was Tech’s Male Athlete of the Year as a senior, and was nominated for OVC Athlete of the Year.

Burns earned his bachelor’s degree from Tech in Agricultural Science in 1978, and added his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Ag and Extension Education. He taught school and coached briefly at Morgan County High School before taking a position as an Extension Agent for the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension service. He worked in that role for more than 16 years, including at least three in Franklin County.