Record-breaking return lands Burks conference weekly award

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Following a historic kickoff return in Simpson's season opener, MJ Burks has been named the American Rivers Conference Male Athlete of the Week as well as Special Teams Player of the Week.

Burks electrified the Buxton Stadium crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the longest in program history. His return broke the previous mark of 95 yards, set by Rex Gray in 1999 and Travis Young in 1989, and was Simpson's first kickoff return score since 2012.

In total, Burks returned four kickoffs for 153 yards while also contributing on defense with three tackles and a pass breakup. His efforts provided a crucial momentum swing in a back-and-forth contest that went to overtime.