TV Host and Former Football Star Jon Burnett Dies at 71 After Candidly Sharing His Struggle with CTE—What He Revealed About His Legacy

Jon Burnett, a beloved television host and former college football player, has passed away at the age of 71, just one year after revealing his heartbreaking diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Burnett’s death was confirmed on Thursday by KDKA-TV, where he became a fixture for over three decades, captivating Pittsburgh audiences with his versatile talents as a host, anchor, and weatherman.

A talented football player in his youth, Burnett was diagnosed with a neurological condition in 2024 that doctors suspected was linked to his years on the field. His struggles with memory loss and facial muscle movements led to his CTE diagnosis, a condition frequently found in athletes who have endured repeated concussions. While CTE can only be conclusively diagnosed posthumously, Burnett’s neurologist was convinced that the damage sustained during his football career played a key role in his condition.

Jon Burnett played defensive end at the University of Tennessee before starting his television career as an anchor and weather man

Burnett was a fixture on KDKA-TV from 1982 to 2019, appearing as an anchor, a host, and a weatherman

Burnett’s football career began in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he played as a defensive end at the University of Tennessee. Over the course of his career, Burnett suffered multiple concussions, including two severe injuries that knocked him unconscious, one so powerful it split his helmet. His career on the field resulted in countless head injuries, some of which he later described as “part of the job.”

However, despite the tragic diagnosis, Burnett expressed no regret about his football days. In fact, he admitted that if given the chance, he would still return to the field despite the toll it took on his health. “I quickly discovered that I liked contact… Which is, of course, why my head’s so screwed up today,” he once remarked, reflecting on his time as an athlete.

Burnett’s football career may have ended, but his influence on Pittsburgh television remained as strong as ever. He joined KDKA-TV in 1982, where he became a mainstay for the next 36 years. Whether as a weatherman, anchor, or co-host of various programs, Burnett’s positive attitude and dynamic presence made him a beloved figure in the community. He was known for his playful banter and camaraderie with his colleagues, including his co-host Patrice King Brown, who described working with Burnett as “the most fun” she’d ever had.

Burnett’s former colleagues honored him in a tribute video and remembered his positive spirit

Burnett’s former co-host, Kristine Sorensen, visited his home for an interview which aired on February 12, 2024

In 2019, Burnett retired from KDKA-TV, but his impact was far from over. In his final years, he became a vocal advocate for CTE awareness, hoping to shed light on the risks athletes face in contact sports. He openly shared his struggles with memory loss and other symptoms of the condition, bringing attention to the hidden dangers that many former athletes face long after their playing days are over. Burnett even agreed to donate his brain for research after his passing, participating in a study at the University of Pittsburgh to help scientists better understand CTE.

Throughout his life, Burnett remained devoted to his family, which was his rock throughout his battle with CTE. In a tearful interview aired in 2024, Burnett spoke emotionally about his wife, Debbie, and his children, expressing gratitude for their support. His legacy extends far beyond his work in television; Burnett’s courage in confronting his diagnosis and sharing his story will continue to inspire others to speak out about the dangers of brain injuries in sports.

Burnett started with KDKA-TV, a CBS affiliate, in 1982 and was with the network for over 30 years before he retired in 2019

Jon Burnett leaves behind a legacy not only as a beloved television personality but as an advocate for CTE awareness, helping to raise critical awareness that could protect future generations of athletes. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his daughter Samantha, son Eric, and five grandchildren, who will undoubtedly carry on his memory and the lessons he imparted during his extraordinary life.