Burgess makes big-time plays for Rage

by Tony Morreale
Published on March 14, 2001 under XFL (XFL)

Big-Time Player, Makes Big-Time Plays for Rage

Tony Morreale

They say "Big-Time Players" make big-time plays and Orlando Rage linebacker James Burgess will be the first one to tell you he is a big-time player. With his innate ability to come through with plays in the clutch, Burgess has become one of the top players in the XFL.

LB James Burgess knocks down New York fullback Keith Elias during Orlando's 18-12 win in Week 3

Burgess, who hails from the University of Miami, currently leads the undefeated Orlando Rage in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He had a huge game in Orlando's dramatic come-from-behind win over Las Vegas last week, where he made five tackles, knocked down a pass and had an interception.

An emotional leader for the team, Burgess believes making game-breaking plays shouldn't be out of the ordinary. "My teammates expect Omar (Brown) and myself to make plays that change the game. I always want to be that guy who helps win it at the end," Burgess said.

And helping the Rage win it at the end of the game is just what Burgess has done, helping lead the 6-0 Rage to the best record in the XFL. Perhaps the highlight thus far came in the Rage's first road test of the season, when Burgess sacked Hitmen quarterback Wally Richardson for a 20-yard loss, late in the fourth quarter. The sack squelched a potential game-winning drive and helped preserve the Rage's comeback victory in week three.

Emerging as a big-time playmaker is something Burgess said comes from his days at "Linebacker U," where he maintains the traditions of fellow Hurricane linebackers Ray Lewis, Michael Barrow, Jesse Armstead and Darrin Smith. "Take Ray Lewis," Burgess said. "I see a guy that I played with in college and I guy who won the NFL's MVP award last season. The tradition of the great linebackers that have played at the University of Miami have certainly inspired me to be the best in the XFL."

Another aspect of his game that Burgess attributes to his days at Miami is his effusive personality on the field. "Being able to talk a little trash and express myself is one of the reasons I wanted to be a part of the XFL," Burgess said. "This league is about playing great football, having a little fun and being yourself. If you do something good, you can show some emotion without working about an excessive celebration penalty."

During the Rage's two-game stretch against fellow southern teams Birmingham and Memphis, for example, the talented linebacker let the opposition know just what to expect from his defense. "I told them country boys you ain't getting anything, and that's just what they got," Burgess said

Burgess says he likes to show his caring side on the field, frequently asking the ball carrier, "Did you feel it?" after particularly crunching blows.

While relishing the opportunity to once again knock heads out on the field, Burgess also appreciates the opportunity the XFL provided, allowing him to return to the Sunshine State. "Being one of the Rage's 11 territorial selections is great," Burgess said. "It allows a lot of my family and friends to come and see me out there making plays."

XFL Stories from March 14, 2001

• Burgess makes big-time plays for Rage - OSC Original by Tony Morreale

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