National Football League

Former NFL halfback Alex Burl dies in Denver at 78

Published Dec. 16, 2009 5:44 p.m. ET

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Alex Burl Jr., a former Colorado State football and track star who played a season in the NFL, has died. He was 78.

His family said Burl died in Denver last week after a heart attack.

Colorado State said a memorial service is planned Thursday. The Army veteran is to be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Burl was the first black athlete in Colorado State history to win the Nye Trophy, presented annually to the institution's most outstanding male athlete.

Burl qualified for the 1952 U.S. Olympic trials in track at age 19. He was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in 1954 and played eight games in 1956.

Burl later coached football, cross country, and track and field for Denver Public Schools.

His grandson, Davis Burl, is a linebacker at Colorado State.

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