As a senior on the 1985 squad, he was named honorable mention Associated Press All-American after setting 14 school records in passing and total offense.
He moved to Canada in 1986, and played for the Ottawa Rough Riders, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Burgess defeated the 16-2 Edmonton Eskimos in the 1989 CFL Western Final replacing an injured Austin who would return to start and win the 1989 Grey Cup.
Both quarterbacks were capable starters and Burgess requested a trade in the off-season to pursue a full-time starting opportunity, getting that chance with the Blue Bombers.
He won a Grey Cup starting with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1990, and became an East Division All-Star selection.