Veronica Burton’s love for her father extends beyond sports, Northwestern and family

In April 2022, Veronica Burton heard her name called as the seventh pick in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She rose from her table at Spring Street Studios in New York City and shared a warm embrace, first with her mother, Ginni, then with her father, Steve.

Asked afterward about what inspired her, she responded, “My family.”

Athletics always have been intertwined for the Burtons. Her two siblings were collegiate athletes. Her late grandfather, Ron, played football at Northwestern and was the AFL’s Boston Patriots’ first-ever draft pick in 1960. Three of Veronica’s uncles also played football at Northwestern. Ginni was an All-American swimmer for the Wildcats.

And Steve, the sports director of WBZ-TV in Boston, played quarterback there, as well.

Veronica’s bonds with those in her family also extend beyond the field or the court. As she wrote below in a first-person exclusive, she bragged about her father “in life outside of sports.” This is her Father’s Day tribute to Steve.

(Editor’s note: The following has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.)

There are about two days a year I find myself really taking the time to sit back and thank my dad for all he has done for…