Rick Burgess Reflects on Faith and Fatherhood in New Book Release

GOD, FAMILY, AND FOOTBALL

Rick Burgess grew up in a loving Christian home. His tough-as-nails father, William “Bill” Burgess, was a championship-winning football coach. 

As a Second-Team All-State player at Jones Valley High School in Birmingham, Bill went on to play fullback at Auburn University in 1958, where he lettered in 1961 and 1962. He took the head coaching job at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham in 1966, at the age of 25, and spent five seasons there before taking the head coaching position at Oxford High School in Oxford, Alabama. He would stay there for 14 seasons before becoming the head coach at Jacksonville State in 1985 until his retirement after the 1996 season. Bill became a sports icon. Rick and his brother, Greg, played football at Oxford High School, where their father was the head coach. In 1982, Rick was recognized as an All-Star and All-State defensive lineman. 

Rick’s latest book, Men Don't Run in the Rain, is a tribute to his father. More than just a sports figure, Bill Burgess was a devoted father who loved God and prioritized his family. As much as Bill liked football, Rick says he loved hunting and fishing more. Most of their time together was spent outdoors. This had a profound impact on Rick, his brother Greg, and his sister Anne. 

The title of the book was taken from a day when Rick was 13 years old. It was pouring down rain in Alabama, and as he began to run, his dad looked him in the eyes and said, “Son, men don’t run in the rain.” Rick never forgot it. It was one of many lessons Bill would pass on not only to his children but also to the players he coached. 

LESSONS LEARNED 

With a front row seat watching his father teach him how to follow Christ, how to become a man, and how to stand strong when things got tough, Rick shares a few lessons he learned along the way, such as: 

• The importance of honoring your parents regardless of their actions:
He emphasizes the biblical command to honor your parents, noting that this commandment is about how you choose to live, not a commentary on whether your parents are perfect. He explains that honoring your father means living in such a way that your actions bring honor to your parents, even if they fall short in their own lives. This includes striving to be the kind of spouse, parent, or grandparent your father may not be, and breaking cycles of dysfunction or absence.

Rick shares, “If your dad was a terrible husband, then you be a great husband. If your dad left you, don’t leave. Be an honorable man or woman. If your dad didn’t follow Jesus, be the spiritual leader he never was. Finally, forgive your dad. Your love for Jesus is enough not to deny the grace and forgiveness to your dad that Jesus so freely gives you.”

• Your upbringing shapes you, but you can choose your path:
Rick teaches that while the environment and people who raised you influence your worldview, you are not bound by their mistakes. You can learn from both the good and the bad, using those lessons to build a better life and legacy.             

• Gratitude helps you overcome being overwhelmed:
He stresses the importance of gratitude, not as a way to ignore past pain, but as a tool to orient your life toward a hopeful future. Practicing gratitude can help you move beyond being overwhelmed and focus on what is possible, regardless of past hardships.

• True manhood is defined by character and faithfulness:
In 2008, while Rick was traveling, his two-year-old son, Bronner, accidentally drowned in their pool. Overcome with grief, Rick and his wife Sheri were facing their worst nightmare. Yet, they had to continue to be there for their other children. Rick conducted his son’s eulogy. He shares, “I remember a huge picture of Bronner on the screen when we walked into the church. It rattled me to my core, and I was nearly overwhelmed with grief… When it came time to speak, I said I wasn’t sure I could get up… At that very moment, I felt the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit lift me from the pew and walk me to the stage. I was wholly and completely dependent on God.” After the funeral service, his father looked at Rick, pointed his finger at him, and said, “Now that’s a man,” recognizing that true manhood is shown in moments of courage, integrity, and faith—especially in the face of adversity and pain. 

• The power of influence and legacy:
Rick highlights the value of being “influenceable”—open to learning from others, especially those who demonstrate wisdom and faith. He encourages readers to recognize the impact of their own lives and to strive to leave a legacy of faith, integrity, and purpose.

• Every lesson connects to biblical truth:
Throughout his reflections, Rick ties his father’s sayings and life lessons back to Scripture, showing that the foundation of his father’s wisdom was a deep faith in God and a commitment to biblical principles.

BATTLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Bill was a fighter and always said there wasn’t anyone alive who could whip him. He also fought while battling Alzheimer’s. He wanted to remain independent, and as the disease progressed, he fought it every step of the way. However, the Burgess family used humor to help soften the blow.

When Bill’s short-term memory recycled every few seconds, he would ask Rick questions like, “Where’s my truck?” Rick had to come up with something, so he decided to say that his brother Greg had it. When Bill couldn’t find his hunting rifle and asked where it was, Rick would continue, “Oh, Greg has it.” Bill would scoff and say, “Well, I’ll never see that again.” It became an ongoing family joke. 

During his last days in December 2023, Bill would often look up at his favorite scripture that he never forgot, which read: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
 

To learn more about the The Rick Burgess Show click the LINK! And to purchase his new book Men Don’t Run in the Rain: A Son’s Reflection on Life, Faith, and an Iconic Father click the LINK! 

CREDITS

NY Times best-selling author, Men Don’t Run in the Rain: A Son’s Reflection on 
Life, Faith, and an Iconic Father (Iron Hill Press, 2025); Radio host, The Rick Burgess Show; Former co-host of The Rick and Bubba Show for 31 years; Founder, The Man Church; Married to Sherri since 1996; Five children: Brandi, Blake, Brooks, Brody, and Bronner. Bronner passed away from an accidental pool drowning in 2008.