West Liberty, W. Va. - When you talk about the greatest defensive players to ever wear the Black and Gold, the conversation begins — and often ends — with E.J. Burt.

A member of the Class of 2001 and inducted into the West Liberty Hall of Fame in 2009, Burt stands alone as the only two-time West Virginia Conference Defensive Player of the Year in program history. A relentless pass rusher from Akron, Ohio, he carved out a career that placed him among the most feared defensive ends the WVIAC has ever seen.

During his final two seasons (1999–2000), Burt led the league in both quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss, becoming an anchor of the Hilltopper defense and setting standards that still stand today. He remains West Liberty's all-time leader with 47 career sacks and 74.5 tackles-for-loss, numbers that have defined the program's defensive tradition for nearly a quarter-century.

His dominance didn't stop after college. Burt exploded onto the professional scene, earning af2 Lineman of the Year in 2002 after posting an incredible 27.5 sacks for the Cape Fear Wildcats — a total believed to be a single-season record in professional football. He went on to enjoy a six-year career in the Arena Football League with Orlando, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Utah, earning AFL All-Rookie Team honors in 2003 and second-team All-AFL recognition in 2005. Twice, he led the league in forced fumbles while consistently ranking among its top pass rushers.

Life After the Hilltop

Today, Burt continues to influence the game while giving back to the next generation. He works as a teacher, runs his own youth sports program — Ball Class — and recently joined the coaching staff of the newly announced Orlando Pirates in the Indoor Football League.

A Hilltopper at Heart

Burt looks back at his time on the hill with deep appreciation.

His favorite memories?

"Hanging out in the courtyard and cafeteria," he said. "Winning homecoming king my senior year and doing the serenades performance with the football team."

For Burt, being a West Liberty alumnus is a point of pride.

"It means a lot to have my degree and represent WL — a small school — and compete and dominate players from big schools, showing everyone that where you start doesn't matter."

The People Who Shaped His Journey

He credits several coaches with shaping his mindset and career:

• Bob Eaton — "Gave me a speech that lit a fire in me no one could extinguish."
   

• Coach Phillips — Taught him how to prepare like a professional.
   

• Coach Cook — Brought an excitement to the game; Burt even named his son after the nickname Coach Cook gave him.
   

• Coach Ox — A coaching style that matched Burt perfectly and still influences how he coaches today.
   

He also points to former teammates Marvin Bishop, Jason Fleming, and Ernest Lazeau, whose brotherhood and competitive spirit pushed him to be his best.

Advice for Today's Hilltoppers

"Focus on your goal. Identify where you want to live after graduation and network. Keep your career front and center."

A Legacy Built on Drive and Dominance

From record-setting performances at West Liberty to a standout professional career, E.J. Burt has lived out the Hilltopper mentality — work hard, stay humble, and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot become.

A true Timeless Topper, Burt's story continues to inspire both the West Liberty community and the athletes who follow in his footsteps.