Tributes pour in for rugby league legend Rob Burrow

Tributes have been pouring in for Rob Burrow since the news of his death broke on Sunday the 2nd of June. Former teammates, fans, and even those not from the sporting world have paid tribute to Burrow's legacy.

Before the England Men's international friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St. James' Park in Newcastle, fans and players applauded for a minute in memory of Burrow, per The Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail also reports fans and players will participate in a memorial for Burrow at the upcoming Challenge Cup Finals (men's and women's) with a prematch minute of silence followed by applause during the seventh minute, in memory of Burrow's shirt number.

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Fans have also been laying wreaths and other touching tributes to Burrow outside Leeds Rhinos' stadium.

One of Burrow's long-term friends and current Leeds Rhinos Head of Media described Burrow as a "superhero" in an interview with reporters.

For those unaware of Burrow's story, take a look at the rest of this gallery to understand who Burrow was and why fans from across so many sports are doing everything they can to keep his memory alive.

Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league legend Rob Burrow has passed away aged 41, the news was appropriately announced by Leeds Rhinos on X (formerly Twitter).

Leeds’ statement read, “He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.”

Per The Sun, Burrow was first diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2019, just two years after he had called time on his illustrious playing career.

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The Burrow family released their own statement, which said, “For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise”.

From the various statements released about Burrow, one theme remains consistent, his determined and wholehearted attitude to facing any challenge presented to him.

Throughout much of Burrow’s career, he played alongside Kevin Sinfield at Leeds. The two became firm friends. When Burrow was diagnosed, Sinfield committed himself to helping Burrow in any way possible, and the pair were able to raise over £20 million (€23.5 million/$25.3 million) for MND research-related charities.

This included the now iconic shot of Sinfield carrying Burrow over the finish line at the 2023 Leeds Marathon, having pushed Burrow along the entire 26.2-mile course.

Burrow was a formidable player during his career, winning everything there was to win for the Rhinos. Per the team’s website, Burrow played 492 times for Leeds, scoring 1,103 points (including 196 tries) and eight Super League Grand Final trophies.

Burrow was awarded a Commander of the British Empire honour, the third-highest civilian honour awarded in Britain for his incredible charity work, per The Sun.

Burrow is survived by his wife, Lindsay, and their three children. 

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