Knox College Athletics

Tighe Burke '09 had a very successful career on the football field for the Prairie Fire. His move from offense to defense proved to be a revelation as he became one of the best defensive players in school history.

After an ankle injury during the 2006 season, Burke moved from fullback to defensive end for the 2007 season. Despite never playing defensive end, he took to the position as if he were born to play there. In his first season at defensive end, Burke led the team in quarterback sacks and was among the conference leaders with 8.5. He was named Honorable Mention All-Midwest Conference. 

In 2008, Burke stepped up his game even more. He garnered First Team All-Midwest Conference and Third Team All-American honors as he led the NCAA with 1.35 sacks per game. He picked up 14 total sacks, 54 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and a blocked kick. He also returned to his old position of fullback in short yardage situations, where he picked up some key first downs.

Burke again made First Team All-Midwest Conference in 2009 after registering 7.5 sacks. He also added 15.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and an interception. He scored two touchdowns as a short-yard fullback once again.

Burke finished his career with 29 total sacks, good for second on the all-time list at Knox. He also picked up 43 tackles for a loss in his career, the third best career mark at Knox. Burke is in the Knox top-ten list twice for tackles for a loss in a season.

Since graduation Burke has built a successful career as the Founder of sRch Partners, a boutique executive recruiting company for startups. He also spent two years after graduation teaching English in South Korea while also playing football in the Korean Semi-Professional League.

I am honored to welcome Tighe Burke into the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2021.