Heritage football player attends game a week after suffering cardiac arrest on field
Plantation American Heritage senior defensive lineman Timothy Burroughs-Love’s hair used to reach just below his shoulders.
On Saturday night, it was cut so short, most of it was hidden underneath a Heritage cap he was wearing.
The new hairdo symbolized one of the ways Burroughs-Love said he’s taking advantage of his second chance at life.
“God gave me a second chance so I’m starting over,” Burroughs-Love said. “I just feel blessed to be here.”
Burroughs-Love was back on his school’s campus on Saturday night and watching his teammates open their season with a 45-20 win against St. John’s Prep (DC) in the second annual Broward Showcase.
Just eight days ago, Burroughs-Love was fighting for his life at Jackson Memorial hospital after collapsing on the sideline during his team’s preseason game against Miami Booker T. Washington at Traz Powell Stadium in North Miami. His school’s athletic trainers and medical staff resuscitated him and he was later transported to the hospital in Miami.
Burroughs-Love’s mother, Tenise Love, said Saturday that her son suffered cardiac arrest on the field after coming out of the game on Aug. 18 in the first quarter. This caused him to have a seizure.
Love said she was at Hard Rock Stadium that night, getting ready to attend the Beyoncé concert being held there. It was the only time she was set to miss one of her son’s games, she said. But then she got the call and rushed to the hospital.
“He’s here and we’re grateful that he’s here,” Love said on Saturday before the game.
Burroughs-Love spent seven days in the hospital undergoing tests and treatment until being discharged this past Friday.
Love said doctors have yet to determine what caused her son to go into cardiac arrest, but she and Burroughs-Love confirmed that he will not be able to play football again.
“Right now, it’s more just figuring things out,” Love said. “He’s a walking miracle.”
Burroughs-Love, who has a 3.9 GPA, said he plans to focus his attention on going to law school and becoming an attorney, a goal he said he decided to pursue even before deciding to play football.
“Yeah, I’m done with football,” Burroughs-Love said. “I’m at peace with myself. I’m just happy to be here.”
While Burroughs-Love won’t be playing alongside his teammates, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t plan to be a part of the team. Burroughs-Love, who had 21 scholarship offers from several FBS-level schools, plans to be around the team all season.
Love said he was trying to be involved even the first night he was in the hospital. Burroughs-Love spoke to his teammates at 2:30 a.m. that morning via Zoom and offered his team words of encouragement telling them, “Go finish what we started.”
Love said numerous people involved both with Heritage and in the football community reached out and offered their support. Love also expressed her gratitude to Heritage’s medical staff and the staff at the hospital.
“It’s overwhelming gratefulness. It’s the attitude of gratitude,” Love said. “Seeing the love pour back into us has been amazing.”
Before Saturday’s game, American Heritage took a moment to recognize Burroughs-Love and the school’s trainers, who helped save his life.
The five trainers - Frank Milan (head trainer), Alex Arias, Javier Ditas, Bobby Curtis and Nicholle Galletti - were presented with a Hero Award by the school and the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Heroism Award by FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon.
The school presented Burroughs-Love with his team jersey, which was signed by all of his teammates. He then received a loud ovation from the fans in attendance and participated in the game’s pregame coin toss.
Fans and students wore black T-shirts with the word “Love” and the No. 5, Burroughs-Love’s jersey number.
“This night means a lot to me because I’m still a part of the team,” Burroughs-Love said. “I’m just happy to be here.”
This story was originally published August 26, 2023 at 8:35 PM.
