St. Joseph High School senior Landon Hughes is just one of the many examples of how, from a single tragedy, perpetual triumph can emerge.
Recently being selected as a recipient of the prestigious Brandon Burlsworth Character Award, honoring “character and sportsmanship in high school football,” Hughes has become an important part of the legacy of the late Arkansas Razorback and 63rd NFL draft pick of 1999 for whom the award is named.
Burlsworth arrived on the University of Arkansas campus in 1994 practically without a penny or prospect to his name when it came to playing Division 1 football.
What he did have, however, was a work ethic that was unmatched and the type of determination that would yield a scholarship, the role of team captain and all-SEC team accolades spanning two seasons, including the first All-American from the University of Arkansas in a decade.
That work ethic and determination translated equally in Burlsworth’s academic pursuits as he was named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every year from 1995 to 1998 and was the first football player in the history of the university to earn a master’s degree before the end of the season.
Likewise, Hughes places just as much emphasis on his academic endeavors as he does, if not more so, on his athletic endeavors.
At. St. Joseph, he’s a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the student body, a member of the Fighting Irish Football team, tennis team and drama club.
He attends Mercy Seat M.B. Church where he serves as a junior deacon, usher and choir member.
In addition, he’s been a member of The Progressive Art and Civic Club youth affiliates for 12 years and Mayor’s Youth Council for four years.
And, although a great deal of Hughes’ time is dedicated to his schooling and civic duties and responsibilities, he still makes time to engage in activities that bring him enjoyment, which include art, reading, drama and music.
“I have participated in many social, civic, school and church activities. The knowledge and life skills that I have gained from being a part of the various organizations through the community of Greenville will help to sustain me for life,” he said.
Just 11 days after his draft selection and being projected by his coaches to start as a rookie, Burlsworth was killed in a head-on automobile collision.
The Burlsworth Character Award is given out nationwide in recognition of outstanding character and sportsmanship — qualities Burlsworth elicited.
“The award honors the player who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team,” the Burlsworth Character Award website states.
Hughes’ philosophy of life is to always do his best in whatever he does.
“Throughout my life, I have tried to exhibit an attitude of service,” he added, noting his appreciation for the Greenville community. “My strength, perseverance and love for mankind are all the tools that I’ve needed to be successful in achieving whatever I set out to do.”
