Former FSU Back and Fiancee Among Finalists for “Dream Wedding Giveaway”

For former Florida State running back Will Burnham, 2013 turned out to be a year he would never forget.

In less than a 2-week span, the walk-on took the woman who is soon to become his wife on a first date and became a national champion. Prior to FSU’s trip to Pasadena to take on Auburn, players were given some time at home with their families. Burnham used that time to take Kaylan Figueroa on a first date.

“While I was home, we met up and went out and the rest is history,” Burnham said.

Now less than four months from their May 12 wedding date, Burnham and Figueroa are on the verge of being big winners once again. The couple are among 12 finalists for a $20K Teacher Appreciation Dream Wedding Giveaway at Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa.

Eligible for the giveaway are teachers from the Tampa Bay area. Figueroa, 24, teaches at Riverhills Elementary Magnet School in Hillsborough County. The principal at the school sent out an email notifying teachers about the contest and the couple went through the application process.

“What’s so cool about this contest is we’ve been dating long distance the whole time,” Burnham said. “Both families have been so supportive. This contest would allow us to bring in everybody who has supported us. This would be a real blessing for us to be able to thank everyone we love as we start our life together.”

Will Burnham and Kaylan Figueroa are eligible for a $20,000 wedding giveaway. (Photo from Old McMicky’s website)

Burnham, 25, and Figueroa met in Boca Raton when the former back went down for a funeral for one of his fraternity brother’s parents. Figueroa at the time was a cheerleader at Florida Atlantic, but later transferred to South Florida.

Graduating however, hasn’t brought the two together geographically. Figueroa returned to the Bay Area, where her family is. Despite getting just one career carry and appearing in only three career games at FSU, Burnham has made a career out of football.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from FSU in 2014 and a master’s in 2016, Burnham took a job as tight ends coach at Tennessee-Martin, an FBS program. Burnham is now entering his first year as running backs and tight ends coach as well as co-special teams coordinator at Glenville State College — a Division II school in West Virginia.

Following the wedding, Figueroa will finish out the school year before joining Burnham in West Virginia. She plans on continuing a career in teaching, Burnham said.

“She is an amazing teacher,” Burnham said. “She lights up when she walks in the classroom to see those kids.”

Figueroa’s first teaching job was at a school where 97 percent of the student population was eligible for free lunch, but she was determined to make a difference.

“She built really strong relationships with those kids,” Burnham said. “She has a real gift for reaching young people that goes well beyond math, reading and science. Teachers don’t get enough credit for what they do and she’s a special one.”

As of 11 p.m. EST on Friday night, Burnham and Figueroa had a 26-vote lead on the next closest couple in the contest. To cast a vote, click here. The deadline to vote is Feb. 7.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson