Brian Burns

Brian Burns is a linebacker for the New York Giants and a leading pass rusher in the National Football League. Burns began his football career at Florida State, where he became one of the program's top pass rushers, recording 24 career sacks and earning first-team All-ACC honors. After declaring early for the NFL Draft, Burns was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 16th overall pick and quickly established himself as a key contributor on defense.

During five seasons with the Panthers, Burns developed a reputation as a consistent edge rusher, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and being named to the Pro Bowl on several occasions. He concluded his Panthers tenure ranked fifth in franchise history in sacks. Following a trade to the New York Giants, Burns signed a five-year contract. He has since delivered strong performances, setting career highs in sacks, quarterback hits, and tackles for loss, and earning second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press, a third Pro Bowl selection, and recognition on the Pro Football Writers of America All-NFL Team. Burns and Myles Garrett are the only NFL players to record at least 7.5 sacks in each season from 2019 through 2024, joining a group that includes Hall of Famers Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, and Jared Allen.

Off the field, Burns is an advocate for autism awareness. Inspired by his nephew Champ, who was diagnosed with nonverbal autism, Burns co-founded the Hype 4 Life Foundation under Brian Burns Family Charities. The nonprofit focuses on raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders, funding educational resources, supporting families, and advocating for policy change. Burns has hosted the I Am A Champion of Autism luncheon at MetLife Stadium to recognize fathers of autistic children and has participated in the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative to spotlight the foundation. He also organizes the Spidagame celebrity charity softball event, with proceeds supporting autism-affected families.

Burns has spoken about the importance of using his platform to advocate for others and has been involved in exploring innovative approaches to support his nephew's development, including nature-based learning and equine therapy. Burns integrates his advocacy work with his identity as an athlete, emphasizing its significance to his personal and professional life.