DALE BURNETT
1908 – 1997
Inducted – 1975

While playing 10 seasons with the New York Giants of the National Football League, Dodge City’s Dale Burnett helped the team win professional football’s world championship in 1934 and 1938. During his pro career, Burnett was considered the greatest blocking back/pass receiver/punter ever for the Giants. He was a key player in the famous “Sneakers Game” of 1934 when the Giants defeated the previously undefeated (13-0) Chicago Bears, 30-13, for the NFL championship at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Burnett, who was also a defensive back, intercepted a Green Bay Packer pass on the final play of the game during the 1938 championship game to preserve the Giants’ 23-17 victory. He signed a pro contract with the Giants in 1930 for $500 per game and ended his career by playing in five NFL title games. While in college at Kansas Normal in Emporia (Emporia State University), Burnett was named all-conference in both football and basketball for two seasons and was the leading scorer in the state during the 1929 football season. He was also a star hurdler on the college’s track team, captain of both the football and basketball teams and earned 12 varsity letters (football, basketball, and track). The original Celtics also called Burnett the best independent basketball player they ever faced. Burnett was inducted into the Helms National Collegiate Football Hall of Fame, 1959. Born January 23, 1908 – Stafford County, KS. Died April 9, 1997 – Emporia, KS. Graduated Dodge City (KS) H.S., 1926; Kansas Normal College (Emporia State), 1942.