North Carolina State’s DJ Burns became one of the biggest stars of March Madness.
His combination of size and skill to go along with the Wolfpack’s semi-Cinderella run to the Final Four helped make Burns a household name across the country.
DJ Burns chest bumps 😭 (via @CBSSportsCBB)
— Overtime (@overtime) March 30, 2024
Unfortunately, the dream died for the Wolfpack on Saturday as Burns was held to his worst game of the entire tournament in the season-ending loss to the Purdue Boilermakers.
Thanks for the memories, DJ Burns pic.twitter.com/VglFBFaUuv
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 7, 2024
One of the questions that has been posed numerous times over the past month is does Burns potentially have a future in the NFL?
Although he stopped playing football after the 8th grade, it’s easy to see how he might be able to translate back to football.
The most impressive thing about Burns is his outstanding footwork. His level of athleticism and coordinator is very rare for someone his size (6 foot 9, 275 pounds).
There is real NFL interest in DJ Burns from GMs, per @JimNagy_SB pic.twitter.com/dLh3YC2bH4
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) April 1, 2024
Could he possibly have a future as a tight end in the NFL???
He has hinted in the past that he would be open to possibly exploring the possibility which is what helped fuel the speculation.
NC State's DJ Burns responded to the rumored #NFL interest in him 👀
“I think that just comes along with our team being trendy right now… I’d probably explore some other options with basketball first before all of that, but I’m not a closed minded person.”
(Via @dpshow)… pic.twitter.com/3X3e1HcurY
— 5 GOATs (@5GOATs_) April 2, 2024
However, he reversed course with his latest comments as he indicated that football is the furthest thing from his mind.
“Everybody needs a story to keep it interesting,” he recently said. “Maybe there was too much downtime for people to think or something, but I ain’t playing no football.”
When asked again by the media, Burns left no doubt about the chances of seeing him on the football field.
“Zero (percent chance),” he reiterated. “I mean … yeah, zero.”
NC State star DJ Burns says he has "zero" interest in playing football despite reported interest from NFL teams. pic.twitter.com/wEbOXBRdu3
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 4, 2024
NC State head coach Kevin Keatts also shot down the speculation.
“No way he’s going to play football,” Keatts said. “I mean, listen, he’s got a great touch. He’s not that bully that you guys think. Listen, you spent some time with him? He’s a teddy bear off the court.”
Spoke to and texted multiple scouts/GMs about NC State big man DJ Burns as an NFL OT prospect over the last 24 hours.He is listed at 6’9, but probably is 6’7. A+ footwork. Would get big turnout & potentially $ if he participated in a Pro Day/workout the week after the Final 4. pic.twitter.com/zxyufktHeC
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 1, 2024
It seems that Burns will go all-in on trying to make it professionally in basketball. Whether that’s in the NBA or potentially overseas remains to be seen.
Having said that, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world to see him possibly pursue a football career if basketball doesn’t work out in the future.
Despite his strong denial, Burns has previously admitted that it wouldn’t be wise to close the door to the possibility.
Could D.J. Burns make it in the NFL? 👀 #djburns #ncstate #basketball #nfl #ncaa #marchmadness #fullcardsweep pic.twitter.com/XoMglxGbiI
— Full Card Sweep (@fullcardsweep) April 2, 2024
There have been plenty of examples of college basketball players who ended up having successful careers in the NFL.
In case you needed a refresher, here are a few of the more notable ones…
-Jimmy Graham: Miami Hurricanes
Prior to his selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2010, tight end Jimmy Graham had only played a single season of football at Miami. However, he dedicated four years to the basketball team, participating in the NCAA Tournament in both 2008 and 2009.
-Donovan McNabb: Syracuse Orange
Quarterback Donovan McNabb spent two seasons as a reserve guard at Syracuse.
-Antwaan Randle El: Indiana Hoosiers
Former wide receiver for Pittsburgh and Washington, Antwaan Randle El, played for the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team for one season.
-Connor Barwin: Cincinnati Bearcats
Popular linebacker Connor Barwin was part of the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team from 2005 to 2007.
-Terrell Owens: Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs
Wide receiver Terrell Owens played basketball at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and briefly competed in the United States Basketball League with the Adirondack Wildcats in 2002.
-Tony Gonzalez: California Golden Bears
The future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez averaged 6.8 points per game with the California Golden Bears and reached the Sweet 16 in the 1997 NCAA Tournament.
-Julius Peppers: North Carolina Tar Heels
Before being selected second overall by the Carolina Panthers, defensive end Julius Peppers averaged 7.1 points per game for the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.
-Antonio Gates: Kent State Golden Flashes
Former San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates excelled as a forward at Kent State, leading his team to the Elite Eight in the 2002 NCAA Tournament.
-Vincent Jackson, Northern Colorado Bears
Former wide receiver Vincent Jackson showcased his athleticism as a forward at Northern Colorado. He received Division I All-Independent second-team honors in 2004.
-Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M Aggies
Before emerging as a dominant tight end, Martellus Bennett displayed his skills as a backup post player for two seasons at Texas A&M.
-Julius Thomas, Portland State Vikings
Julius Thomas played for Portland State’s basketball team for four seasons, guiding the Vikings to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009. The tight end concluded his basketball career as the program’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (.663).
WOW: NFL teams are reportedly looking at NC State center DJ Burns to play OT, who is listed at 6’9 275, but is closer to 6’8 315.
He has ELITE footwork, physicality, and endurance. NFL teams would show up to a Pro Day from him.
Imagine a DB running into this on a sweep 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qOg7eVKOo8
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 1, 2024
What are your thoughts on Burns potentially pursuing an NFL career?
Obviously, it’s much easier said than done. And if you take him at his (latest) word, it’s something he’s not even interested in.
However, do you think he’s capable of translating over to the football field???