Purdue's George Burhenn finally has weight lifted off shoulders

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Since his outburst against Indiana back in 2023, many have been waiting for this moment. Purdue, it’s fans and George Burhenn himself had been wondering just when the talented tight end would get back onto the field and make an impact. Everyone got their answer on Saturday night in Ross-Ade Stadium.

Burhenn led the Boilermakers in receiving in their 34-17 win over Southern Illinois, hauling in three catches for 48 yards from quarterback Ryan Browne. After seeing one pass thrown his way against Ball State, a drop that was called back due to a penalty, Burhenn finally feels like he’s back into the swing of things now.

“It felt really good. It’s definitely like a weight lifted off my shoulders just the long journey of recovery and just getting back out there. So definitely a great feeling,” Burhenn said.

Purdue’s tight ends did not see an official target against Ball State, with the exception of the aforementioned drop by Burhenn. That changed on Saturday, with an increased workload for the unit against Southern Illinois. Burhenn had three catches and Christian Moore had two touches, but the group was also utilized in the run game more, with Moore and Christian Earls getting extended run as extra blockers for standout running back Devin Mockobee.

The versatility within the group is a luxury for offensive coordinator Josh Henson, who has his choice of using a tight end in any situation.

“I think just how the game went, I don’t think like the first game was too much like not involving us. I think just how the game went, just schemed up against their defense,” Burhenn said. “We have a lot of good guys in our room, so it’s easy for us to get that type of personnel on the field. So I think that’s great, just having the versatility in our room.”

Although Burhenn made his biggest impact since a five-catch, 74-yard performance against the Hoosiers as a true freshman, the now third-year tight end is still getting his legs back under him, literally. An injury wiped out nearly all of his 2024 campaign and a gruesome broken leg put this season in jeopardy back in the spring.

“Every day, I’m getting a little bit better,” said Burhenn. ”because the process is still continuing of getting fully back. But, yeah, just every day getting a little bit better.”

“George is back out there and he’s, I’d say he’s close to 100%, but not quite there yet, but he’s getting better every day. And obviously he did a nice job the other night in the passing game, caught some good passes. So, George can be a weapon for us, so the healthier he gets, the more we’ll try to get him involved,” Henson said.

Burhenn may be feeling like his old self already, however, as the former all-state hurdler contemplated dusting off those old moves against the Salukis, but decided against doing so, opting to turn up field instead. Don’t be surprised if you see No. 81 flying over a defender sometime soon though.

“When I turned around, I saw it, that was actually, like my first thought. And I was like, I just gotta press it back into the field. Yeah, definitely one of my first thoughts,” Burhenn said. “I definitely want to. Definitely a goal of mine.”

The recovery process and getting back onto the field was grueling for Burhenn, who spent countless hours in rehab just to put himself in a position to suit up for the Boilermakers in 2025. That determination earned the respect of his new head coach, as Burhenn looks to become an even bigger part of the Purdue offense as the season progresses.

“It goes back to George, on how determined he was to get back. And it was a long, long, tough road for him. For him to overcome the things that he did throughout that process, I’ve got so much respect for him. And the way he played tonight. He’s going to have a heck of a year, and what a wonderful young man he is, and a great representative of our great university,” Barry Odom said on Saturday night.

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