Brian Burns (American football)


Brian Burns is an American football defensive end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He played college football at Florida State.

Early years

Burns attended American Heritage School, where he played high school football. Over his junior and senior seasons, he had 135 tackles and 28 sacks combined and helped his team win state titles. Burns played in the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He committed to Florida State University to play college football.

College career

As a freshman at Florida State in 2016, Burns played in all 13 games and led all freshman in the country with 9.5 sacks. As a sophomore in 2017, he started all 13 games and had 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks. As a junior in 2018, Burns started all 12 games, recording 52 tackles and 10 sacks. After the season, Burns decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

College statistics

Professional career

Burns was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

2019

Burns made his NFL debut in week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. In the game, Burns sacked Jared Goff as the Panthers lost 27-30.
In week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Burns sacked Jameis Winston in the 20-14 loss.
In week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Burns recorded a sack and forced fumble on Gardner Minshew II and recovered the ball in the 34-27 win.

Personal life

Burns' older brother, Stanley, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft.