In Dudley Burrell's eyes, the memories of his brother, Bill, still are vibrant.

Bill Burrell was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the halls of Central High School. After spending time as a Comet, Burrell went on to play football for the University of Illinois, where he was a two-time All-American and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1959.

After suiting up for the Illini, Burrell was selected in both the NFL and AFL drafts but chose to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League. He was both a linebacker and an offensive guard.

After Burrell passed away at the age of 61 in 1998, the University of Illinois' media guide still noted he was "currently on the ballot for election into the College Football Hall of Fame."

But Burrell was never on the ballot at all. The university never once nominated him.

This fall, Central High School will dedicate its football field for Burrell in a ceremony to be held Sept. 15 at halftime in the school's football game against Dwight. With that honor, the Burrell family can possibly find some justice for Bill's seemingly forgotten place in history.

Still, Burrell's legacy will never get the recognition it deserves until his jersey number is hanging on display in Atlanta at the College Football Hall of Fame.

This past week, Dudley sat down with the Daily Journal to discuss his late brother's life off the field, what he remembers most from their childhood and whether the Hall of Fame inducts him one day.

<strong>How much fun it was to watch your brother run down a ball carrier on the field?</strong>

I recall Bill was very elusive on the line. He was fast for a big guy. Bill hit a guy so hard, he split the guy's helmet and his shoulder pads were destroyed, just shattered. When he hit you, it was a like a locomotive.

<strong>Why do you think Bill has not been selected to the College Football Hall of Fame?</strong>

Honestly, we think prejudice had a lot to do with it. I think so; my siblings think so; (Bill's) ex-wife thinks so. There was an incident when (Bill) was asked not to kiss the homecoming queen. He didn't. She reacted and said, 'Bill, aren't you going to kiss me?' He says, 'I can't.' She asks why and he says, 'I was told not to.' So she grabbed him and kissed him. Whatever he did, he worked hard. He studied hard. He deserves to be (in the Hall of Fame).

<strong>While Bill is most known for his play on the field, what type of person was he?</strong>

Bill was very popular. On the field and off the field. He was captain of the basketball team and was very physical. Very physical. But yet, he was gentle. When he went up for a rebound, get out of the way. I remember a game where he went up for a rebound and he knocked a guy to the floor. Bill reached down and helped him up. He said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." That's what type of human being he was.

<strong>How did Bill's peers view him?</strong>

I remember one time, the English teacher threw him out of the room. I don't remember why but she told him to get out and go to the office. He didn't hesitate. He got up and walked out. The entire class then got up and walked out with him. That's how popular he was.

<strong>Describe his relationship with his siblings.</strong>

Let me put it this way, when I came out of the Air Force, Bill gave me a brand new four-unit apartment building as my homecoming gift from the service. Debt free.

<strong>What type of father was Bill?</strong>

Bill had many businesses and most of his kids worked in those businesses. He bought his kids things but he also taught them to reach for the stars. He had a very good relationship with them. He tried to get them to go to some games. They did a lot of things together.

<strong>What's your favorite childhood memory of your brother?</strong>

His work ethic. He would push a Model T Ford almost a mile, then turn around and push it back. I was the person that would work out with him. That was one of the most inspiring moments that I can remember.

<strong>Do you think Bill will ever get inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame?</strong>

When we found out he had never been nominated, it was a hurting feeling. He worked hard. Whatever he did, he worked hard at. He was a military officer and he excelled at whatever he did. He was very audacious, bold, but he was a kind person. We're hoping he gets in one day. I'm hopeful it's going to happen. I believe it's going to happen.