Lem Burnham facts for kids

Lemuel L. Burnham (born August 30, 1947) is a former American football player. He was a defensive end, a position where players try to stop the other team's offense. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons.

Before joining the Eagles, he was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1974 NFL draft. He also played college football at Santa Ana Junior College and United States International University. Burnham was also part of other teams like The Hawaiians in the World Football League (WFL) and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early Life and College Football

Growing Up in Florida

Lemuel L. Burnham was born on August 30, 1947, in Winter Haven, Florida. He went to Jewett High School in Winter Haven.

Playing College Football

Burnham started his college football career at Santa Ana Junior College. He played there from 1970 to 1971. Later, he moved to United States International University and played football for them from 1972 to 1973.

Professional Football Career

Joining the NFL Draft

In 1974, Lem Burnham was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL draft. He was the 378th player picked overall. However, the Chiefs released him before the 1974 season began.

Playing in Other Leagues

Burnham then joined The Hawaiians in the World Football League (WFL). He was picked by them in the 1974 WFL Draft and played for the team in 1974 and 1975.

In 1976, he spent some time with the Washington Redskins during their off-season training. He was released by them in August 1976. The very next day, he traveled to Canada to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He played in one game for them during the 1976 CFL season.

Time with the Philadelphia Eagles

From 1977 to 1979, Burnham played in 45 games for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a strong player, leading the Eagles in sacks with ten in 1977. A sack happens when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

In 1980, he had a knee injury during training camp. This injury kept him from playing the entire 1980 NFL season. Lem Burnham officially announced his retirement from football on July 22, 1981.

Military Service

Before his football career, Lem Burnham served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Marine for four years, from 1965 to 1969. During this time, he spent thirteen months serving in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division.

He received several awards for his service. These included the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Marines.

Life After Football

Working with Athletes

After retiring from football, Lem Burnham continued to work in sports. From 1986 to 1992, he worked as a team psychologist. He helped players for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers (basketball), and the Baltimore Orioles (baseball).

From 1992 to 2002, he was a director and vice president for the NFL. He focused on player and employee development. He also created the NFL Rookie Symposium, which started in 1997. This program helps new players learn about life in the NFL.

Burnham is still involved with football. He is a member of the NFL Alumni Association. He is also the current vice president for the Philadelphia chapter. He is a life member of the Maxwell Football Club.

Education and Psychology Career

Lem Burnham is highly educated. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from U.S. International University in 1974. In 1978, he received his Master of Science degree in counseling psychology from Bemidji State University. He then earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Temple University in 1984.

He is a recognized expert in psychology. He is a member of several important groups, including the American Psychological Association. He also works as the psychology program coordinator at Wilmington University.

Helping Others

Burnham has also worked to help people outside of sports. In 1995, he helped start the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence. He was also appointed to the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women in 1995.

Today, he provides sports psychology services to professional athletes through his company, ProWorldAthletes, Inc. He has also written several books and guides. These include "Personality in Group: Group Relevant Personality and Sociometric Status" and "Beyond X's And O's." The latter is a handbook for coaches to help them understand and manage player issues. He is also a co-author of "The Athletic Success Profile" and "The Personal Success Profile." He is a public speaker and a member of Toastmasters International.

His Family

Lem Burnham has a family of athletes. His son, Bryan, plays for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. Another son, Lewis, played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His daughter Shannon played basketball at St. Francis College. His daughter Kara played basketball and volleyball at Montclair State University.