Detroit Lions' Michael Burton Shares Words Of Wisdom With Long Valley Students

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – Two-a-days in the heat, red-eye flights from city to city, and the ground and pound of an NFL schedule.

That might comes as a breeze to Michael Burton after this week, in which he spent his time speaking with students at two of Long Valley’s schools and attending a National Junior Honors Society event one evening.

Burton, the Detroit Lions fullback coming off his rookie season, loves giving back to his Long Valley community, where he played football growing up and won a state championship with the West Morris Central Wolfpack in 2009.

Burton visited Old Farmers Road School and Long Valley Middle School in the same day this week, meeting with students and fielding questions – what’s your favorite color? Who was your favorite teacher? - tougher than any member of the media could ask him after a three-hour Sunday afternoon game.

“It was great meeting with the kids at both schools,” Burton said. “To speak with them and know I was sitting in their seats not that long ago was a terrific opportunity and I really enjoyed it.”

At Old Farmers, Burton’s elementary school, the staff set him up with a game where he needed to identify a handful of teachers and administrators who were at the school when he was there as the faculty members – some active, some retired – sat behind a curtain.
“It was a little difficult since I haven’t been there in so long, but I think I went four-for-six, so it wasn’t bad,” he said.

Burton then headed over to the Long Valley Middle School and spoke with students there.

“Everyone (kids and adults, alike) were thrilled to welcome Mike back to LVMS and to celebrate his success with him,” Middle School Principal Mark Ippolito said. “We all appreciated Mike's message that there is 'no dream too big'...and that, with perseverance and a willingness to overcome any bumps that might show up along the way, everyone can achieve their dreams. His accomplishments are a testament to the contributions of his parents, certainly, and also to the Washington Township community.

“Michael is a true role model,” Ippolito continued. “In a time when they seem increasingly so hard to find, and a 'neighbor' who aspires to and achieves great things through a combination of hard work, determination, a loving and supportive family and, perhaps most importantly, the strength of his character. It is indeed refreshing, and inspiring, to see someone reach great heights for all of the ‘right reasons.’ Kudos to him and all the best for continued successes!”

To cap off his run this week, Burton attended and helped hand out awards to Long Valley Middle School’s National Junior Honors Society members Wednesday night as well.

Last month Burton signed two of his NFL jerseys and a Detroit Lions football to be raffled off and help raise funds for Project Graduation.

The local turned pro has only played one season in the NFL, but he’s already given back to his community ten-fold.

Photos Courtesy Long Valley Middle School, Lunar Sports