Nesta Grimmett

Written by Nesta Grimmett

Published: 10 Dec 2024

50-facts-about-brian-burns
Source: Bigblueview.com

Brian Burns, born on April 23, 1998, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has quickly become a standout linebacker in the NFL. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Burns' journey from high school star at American Heritage School to a professional athlete is nothing short of impressive. After a stellar college career at Florida State University, where he led all freshmen in the country with 8.5 sacks, Burns was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, agility, and leadership, he has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team AP All-Pro honors. Now playing for the New York Giants, Burns continues to make headlines with his on-field performances and community involvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brian Burns, a standout NFL linebacker, emerged from a stellar high school and college career to become a force in the professional league. His impressive stats and accolades showcase his impact on the field.
  • Transitioning to the New York Giants, Brian Burns continues to make waves with his exceptional skills and leadership. His community involvement and personal interests add depth to his story, making him a well-rounded athlete.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Brian Burns, a name synonymous with defensive prowess in the NFL, has a fascinating background that shaped his journey to the top. Let's dive into his early years and the foundation of his football career.

  1. Birthdate: Brian Burns was born on April 23, 1998.
  2. Birthplace: He hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  3. Height: Stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm).
  4. Weight: Weighs in at 250 pounds (113 kg).
  5. Position: Known for his role as a linebacker/edge rusher.

High School and College Achievements

Burns' football journey began in high school and flourished in college. His early achievements set the stage for his professional career.

  1. High School: Attended American Heritage School.
  2. High School Achievements: Recorded 135 tackles and 28 sacks over his junior and senior seasons, leading his team to state titles.
  3. U.S. Army All-American Bowl: Played in the prestigious 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
  4. College: Played college football at Florida State University (FSU).
  5. Freshman Year: Led all freshmen in the country with 8.5 sacks in 2016.
  6. Sophomore Year: Started all 13 games in 2017, recording 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
  7. Junior Year: In 2018, started all 12 games, tallying 52 tackles and 10 sacks.
  8. Decision to Enter Draft: After the 2018 season, Burns chose to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft.

NFL Draft and Early Professional Career

Burns' transition from college to the NFL was marked by significant milestones and impressive performances.

  1. NFL Draft: Selected by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.
  2. Professional Debut: Made his professional debut with the Panthers in 2019.
  3. First Sack: Recorded his first sack in Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
  4. Strip Sack on Justin Herbert: Achieved a strip sack on Justin Herbert in Week 3 of the 2020 season, recovered by the Panthers.
  5. Strip Sack on Drew Brees: Notched a strip sack on Drew Brees in Week 7 of the 2020 season, also recovered by the Panthers.
  6. NFC Defensive Player of the Week: Earned this honor in Week 11 of the 2020 season after recording two sacks on Matthew Stafford.
  7. 2020 Season Stats: Appeared in 15 games, started 14, and finished with nine sacks, 58 total tackles, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles.

Continued Success and Recognition

Burns' consistent performance has earned him accolades and recognition throughout his career.

  1. COVID-19 Reserve List: Placed on the Panthers' COVID-19 reserve list on December 27, 2021.
  2. 2021 Season Stats: Appeared in all 17 games, started 16, and finished with nine sacks, 50 total tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
  3. Pro Bowl Honors: Earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2021 season.
  4. NFL Top 100 Players of 2022: Ranked 76th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.
  5. 2022 Season Stats: Finished the season with 12.5 sacks, 63 total tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 16 games and starts.
  6. Pro Bowl Honors (2022): Earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2022 season.
  7. NFL Top 100 Players of 2023: Ranked 54th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
  8. 2023 Season Stats: Opened the season at Atlanta with seven tackles and two sacks, marking his third career multi-sack game.
  9. Panthers All-Time Sack List: Moved up the Panthers all-time sack list in Week 5 at Detroit, making his 42nd career sack and passing Kevin Greene for fifth all-time in Panthers history.
  10. Franchise Tag: The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Burns on March 5, 2024.

Transition to the New York Giants

In a significant move, Burns transitioned to the New York Giants, marking a new chapter in his career.

  1. Trade to New York Giants: Traded to the New York Giants on March 13, 2024, in exchange for second-round and fifth-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
  2. Contract with Giants: Signed a five-year, $141 million contract with the Giants, with $87.5 million guaranteed.
  3. Current Team: Currently plays for the New York Giants.

Career Stats and Achievements

Burns' career stats and achievements highlight his impact on the field and his contributions to his teams.

  1. Career Stats: Over his career, Burns has played 80 games, started 67, and recorded 46 sacks, 246 total tackles, and 95 assists.
  2. Pro Football Reference HOF Monitor: Ranked 274th among defensive ends in the Pro Football Reference Hall of Fame Monitor, with an average HOF DE being 104.09.
  3. Selected to Pro Bowl: Selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times, including in 2021 and 2022.
  4. First-Team AP All-Pro: Earned First-Team AP All-Pro honors in his career.
  5. Leadership: Known for his leadership on the field, often leading the team in sacks and tackles.
  6. Community Involvement: Active in community events and charity work, including supporting local youth football programs.
  7. Personal Life: A fan of the Marvel character Spider-Man and has an Instagram account where he engages with fans (@brianburns99).

Family and Personal Interests

Burns' personal life and family background add depth to his story, showcasing his interests beyond football.

  1. Brother in NFL: His older brother, Stanley McClover, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft.
  2. College Stats: At FSU, Burns recorded 8.5 sacks as a freshman, 4.5 sacks as a sophomore, and 10 sacks as a junior.
  3. Career Sacks: Has recorded 46 sacks over his career, including a high of 12.5 sacks in the 2022 season.
  4. Career Tackles: Has recorded 246 total tackles over his career, including a high of 63 tackles in the 2022 season.
  5. Career Forced Fumbles: Has recorded eight forced fumbles over his career, including a high of three forced fumbles in the 2020 season.
  6. Career Passes Defensed: Has recorded 13 passes defended over his career, including a high of four passes defended in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
  7. Career Safeties: Has recorded no safeties over his career.
  8. Career Interceptions: Has recorded no interceptions over his career.
  9. Career Fumbles Recovered: Has recorded one fumble recovered over his career.
  10. Career Awards and Honors: Has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First-Team AP All-Pro honors throughout his career.

Brian Burns: A Rising NFL Star

Brian Burns has quickly become a standout in the NFL. From his early days at American Heritage School to his impressive college career at Florida State University, Burns has consistently shown his talent and dedication. Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, he made an immediate impact with his speed and skill as a linebacker and edge rusher. His career highlights include multiple Pro Bowl selections, First-Team AP All-Pro honors, and a significant move to the New York Giants in 2024. Burns' stats speak volumes: 46 career sacks, 246 total tackles, and numerous forced fumbles. Off the field, he's known for his community involvement and leadership. As he continues with the Giants, fans eagerly await his next achievements. Brian Burns' journey is a testament to hard work and passion, making him a player to watch in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Brian Burns play in football?
Brian Burns lights up the field as a fearsome defensive end. Known for his agility and power, he's a key player who consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks and disrupts their plays.
How did Brian Burns make a name for himself in the NFL?
Bursting onto the scene with the Carolina Panthers, Burns quickly made waves with his impressive rookie season. His knack for sacking quarterbacks and his unique Spider-Man sack celebration caught fans' and analysts' attention alike.
What's the deal with Brian Burns' Spider-Man celebration?
After taking down quarterbacks, Burns often celebrates with a pose reminiscent of Spider-Man, a nod to his favorite superhero. This signature move has become a fan favorite, symbolizing his agility and predatory skills on the field.
Has Brian Burns received any awards or recognition in his career?
Absolutely! Burns' exceptional skills haven't gone unnoticed. He's been nominated for the Pro Bowl, signaling his status as one of the top players at his position in the league.
What makes Brian Burns stand out from other defensive ends?
Burns combines speed, technique, and a relentless motor, making him a nightmare for offensive linemen. His ability to read plays and react quickly sets him apart from his peers.
Can you tell me about Brian Burns' background before the NFL?
Before his professional career, Burns showcased his talents at Florida State University, where he dominated the college football scene. His outstanding performance there paved his way to the NFL.
What's Brian Burns' impact off the field?
Off the field, Burns is just as impactful, engaging in community service and charity work. He's passionate about giving back, showing that his influence extends far beyond the football field.

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