In his 1980s and 1990s appearances, Burkley was most recognizable for his large 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and 300 lb (140 kg) frame, scruffy beard, and Southern accent.

He provided the voice of several supporting characters on the animated television series King of the Hill (set in his home state of Texas).

In 2005, he wrote and directed a film titled Repetition and also played a small role in the television series My Name Is Earl.

In films, he played Dozer, a biker with a severe speech impediment who befriends Rocky Dennis and his mother in the movie Mask.

Burkley appeared in the drug culture drama Rush in 1991, the Chevy Chase comedy Fletch Lives, and Sylvester Stallone's Stop!