Jordan Burroughs

Jordan Burroughs – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

: Jordan Burroughs – American wrestling legend, Olympic gold medalist, multiple-time world champion. Dive into his journey, philosophy, achievements, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Jordan Ernest Burroughs (born July 8, 1988) is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, widely considered among the greatest in U.S. wrestling history. He is an Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world champion, known for his explosive double-leg takedowns, competitive fire, and relentless work ethic.

Beyond results, Burroughs’ story resonates because he blends athletic excellence with humility, faith, mentorship, and a mindset of continuous striving. This article explores his life, career, character, and the lessons woven through his famous lines.

Early Life and Family

Born in Camden, New Jersey, Burroughs grew up in the Sicklerville section of Winslow Township.

He attended Winslow Township High School, where he competed not only in wrestling but also in football and track.

Though he originally entertained dreams of playing in the NFL as a wide receiver, Burroughs ultimately committed to wrestling — a decision that would define his life’s trajectory.

College Career

Accepting a scholarship at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Burroughs wrestled folkstyle in NCAA competition. Over his collegiate career:

• In his junior and senior seasons, he delivered exceptional performances to capture two NCAA Division I national titles.

• In 2011, he concluded with an undefeated season (29-0) and was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy, which honors the top collegiate wrestler in the U.S.

• His dual meet stats, takedown numbers, and dominance in matches all cemented his reputation as one of the top college wrestlers of his generation.

The college phase sharpened not just his technique, but his competitive mindset and resilience.

Freestyle Career & Achievements

Transition & Early Success

Shortly after college, Burroughs moved full-time into international freestyle wrestling (in 2011). In his first major international year:

• He won the U.S. Open and secured a spot on the U.S. World Team.

• He then claimed his first World Championship title, a remarkable feat early in his senior career.

This fast rise set the tone for a decade of dominance in the 74 kg weight class.

Olympic Gold & World Titles

In the 2012 London Olympics, Burroughs won the gold medal in the 74 kg freestyle division, marking a career milestone and national prestige.

Over his career, he has amassed multiple world championship titles—becoming a six-time world champion (and multiple-time medalist) for the United States.

Challenges & Later Years

Though many years of success followed, Burroughs also faced setbacks — Olympic cycles with disappointment (e.g. in 2016, 2021 trials), tough rivalries, evolving opponents, and the physical toll of elite sport.

He has continued to compete internationally in recent years, adjusting weight classes and staying active on the U.S. team, demonstrating both longevity and willingness to evolve.

Style, Strengths & Philosophy

Burroughs is known for his explosiveness — especially his signature double-leg takedowns — combined with athleticism, relentless pace, and competitive drive. His mental strength is as notable as his physical skills.

He often speaks of wrestling as more than competition: it’s a test of character, preparation, and consistency. His persistence, ability to recover from losses, and dedication to training reveal how he approaches the grind with seriousness.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Olympic and World dominance: His 2012 Olympic gold and multiple world titles put him among the elite wrestlers globally and in U.S. wrestling history.

• Consistency in selection: He has made more Olympic or world teams than most, showing sustained excellence over many years.

• Bridging generations: Burroughs is both a link to America’s wrestling legacy and a standard for newer generations, blending old-school grit with modern athleticism.

• Role model beyond the mat: He has used his platform to emphasize mentorship, faith, and character — aspects that extend his influence beyond pure sport.

Personality and Talents

• Faith & humility: Burroughs openly identifies as a Christian and often emphasizes how faith shapes his purpose and contentment beyond medals.

• Family man: He is married to Lauren Burroughs and has multiple children (Beacon, Ora, Rise, Banner, and Badge).

• Balanced perspective: He has spoken about how a gold medal, while meaningful, does not fill deeper longings — that a relationship with God and purpose matter more.

• Leadership & mentoring: As a veteran, he often serves as a voice in the U.S. wrestling community, helping young wrestlers, competing in clinics, and representing his sport.

• Resilience: Through injury, defeat, and aging, he shows adaptability, self-awareness, and the will to continue competing — qualities essential in elite athletics.

Famous Quotes of Jordan Burroughs

Here are several notable and insightful quotes from Burroughs that reflect his mindset, drive, and philosophy:

• “I’ve got the ability to control my destiny, and I take pride in that.”

• “Every single time I get on the mat, every tournament, I get to see what I’m made of, how tough I am, where my desire is, and how hard I’ve worked.”

• “Discipline, focus, endurance is what it takes to be the greatest at this sport.”

• “The difference between the greats and the legends is their ability to focus for longer periods of time.”

• “It’s never too late to be great.”

• “To get better you have to step out of your comfort zone. You can’t do the same things you’ve always done & improve.”

• “When you’re silent, people recognize your greatness.”

• “I know that stress on me mentally and physically will only help me improve not only as a human being but as a wrestler.”

• “Wrestlers, you don’t just get better from wrestling live. To improve technique, you have to learn it, then drill it.”

These quotes encapsulate his core beliefs: growth beyond comfort, consistent preparation, humility, and mental toughness.

Lessons from Jordan Burroughs

1. Mastery demands discomfort
   You won’t grow by repeating the same routines — stepping out of comfort zones is essential. (As he says: “To get better you have to step out of your comfort zone.”)

2. Mental strength is as vital as physical skill
   The mat is a battleground for mindset; success often hinges on focus, endurance, and composure as much as technique.

3. Consistency over flashes
   Greatness isn’t built in bursts—it’s in doing the work day in, day out. (He notes that the difference between greats and legends is long-term focus.)

4. Humility and silent impact
   Sometimes, your best work is quiet — letting actions speak louder than words. (“When you’re silent, people recognize your greatness.”)

5. Accept stress and growth through strain
   Stress — physical and mental — is not only inevitable but useful, pushing you to evolve.

6. Legacy is built over time
   Championships matter, but the way you live, mentor, and carry your values may outlast any medal.

Conclusion

Jordan Burroughs’ journey — from a young boy in Camden finding wrestling flyers, to Olympic champion, world title dominator, and respected veteran — is a testament to discipline, belief, and resilience.

His stories, quotes, and example teach that greatness is not just a destination but a process: embracing discomfort, pushing boundaries, preparing quietly, and carrying integrity both on and off the mat.