It is great sadness that the Stampeders today learned of the death of Hall-of-Fame running back Willie Burden. He was 64.

One of the greatest players in Stampeders history who holds a place of honour on the club’s Wall of Fame, Burden played eight seasons for the Red and White (1974-81). The North CarolinaState alum still holds the franchise’s single-season rushing record of 1,896 yards, which he established in 1975.

“Willie was a great player, a great teammate and a great friend,” said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel, who played with Burden from 1976-79. “He will be sorely missed and I offer condolences to his family.”

Burden finished his career with 6,234 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns as well as 299 receptions for 2,669 yards and 16 majors.

Despite establishing what was then also a league record, Burden later in his career accepted a secondary role in the Stamps’ backfield and willingly became a blocker for featured tailback James Sykes.

Burden’s No. 10 is retired by the Stampeders and he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

After his playing career, Burden became a college sports administrator – including a 10-year stint as athletic director at North CarolinaA&TUniversity — as well as a college professor.

Burden is survived by his wife Velma, sons Willie Jr. and Freddie and daughter Courtney.