Michael Burton (American football)

Last updated

Michael Burton
Michael Burton (51607612072) (cropped).jpg
Burton with the Chiefs in 2022
No. 20 – Denver Broncos
Position: Fullback
Personal information
Born: (1992-02-01) February 1, 1992 (age 32)
Long Valley, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:242 lb (110 kg)
Career information
High school: West Morris Central
(Washington Township, New Jersey)
College: Rutgers (2011–2014)
NFL draft: 2015  / round: 5 / pick: 168
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 9, 2024
Rushing yards:70
Rushing average:1.9
Rushing touchdowns:1
Receptions:26
Receiving yards:171
Receiving touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Michael Burton (born February 1, 1992) is an American professional football fullback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Rutgers, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, and Kansas City Chiefs.

Contents

Early life

Burton attended and played high school football at West Morris Central High School in Washington Township , New Jersey. [1]

College career

Burton played college football at Rutgers from 2011 to 2014. [2] In the 2011 season, he had 10 carries for 44 rushing yards to go along with 10 receptions for 68 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. [3] In the 2012 season, he had three receptions for 34 receiving yards in four games. [4] In the 2013 season, he had 19 receptions for 149 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. [5] In his final collegiate season in 2014, he had 15 receptions for 150 receiving yards. [6]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+14 in
(1.81 m)
242 lb
(110 kg)
29+14 in
(0.74 m)
9+12 in
(0.24 m)
4.74 s1.65 s2.75 s4.34 s7.20 s33 in
(0.84 m)
9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)
25 reps
All values from NFL Combine [7]

Detroit Lions

Burton was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. [8] On May 12, 2015, the Lions signed Burton to a four-year, $2.46 million contract with a signing bonus of $184,356. [9]

He entered training camp competing with Emil Igwenagu to be the Detroit Lions' starting fullback. He won the job and was named their starting fullback to begin the regular season. [10] He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Lions' season-opener against the San Diego Chargers. [11] The next game, Burton had his first career carry for a two-yard gain in a 16–26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. [12] On October 5, 2015, he made his first career catch on a three-yard pass from Matt Stafford and finished the 10–13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks with one carry for no yards and one catch for three yards. [13] On December 21, 2015, Burton caught his first career touchdown on a four-yard pass from Stafford and finished the 35–27 win over the New Orleans Saints with two receptions for ten yards and one touchdown. [14]

He finished his rookie season with four carries for two rushing yards and six receptions for 39 receiving yards and a touchdown, while starting seven games and appearing in all 16. [15]

Burton entered his second season as the Lions' de facto starter at fullback. Although he appeared in 15 games, he wasn't credited with an official start in any of them and also did not receive any carries or receptions throughout his second year. [16]

On May 30, 2017, Burton was waived by the Lions. [17]

Chicago Bears

Burton with the Chicago Bears in 2018 Michael Burton 2018.png
Burton with the Chicago Bears in 2018

Burton was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears on May 31, 2017. [18]

On September 10, 2017, in his Bears debut, Burton had one rush for seven yards in the 23–17 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. [19] On the 2017 season, he appeared in 16 games and started three. [20]

In the 2018 season, Burton played in eight games with one start, mostly working as a blocking back. [21] [22]

New Orleans Saints (first stint)

On May 13, 2019, Burton signed with the New Orleans Saints. [23] He was released on August 31, 2019. [24]

Washington Redskins

Burton (#45) playing for the Washington Redskins in 2019 Michael Burton Redskins vs Packers 2019 (cropped).jpg
Burton (#45) playing for the Washington Redskins in 2019

Burton signed with the Washington Redskins on October 15, 2019. [25] In the 2019 season, he appeared in ten games and started two. [26]

New Orleans Saints (second stint)

On March 23, 2020, Burton signed a one-year contract with the Saints. [27] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on January 2, 2021, [28] and activated on January 6. [29] In the 2020 season, he appeared in 15 games and started four. [30]

Kansas City Chiefs

Burton signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 5, 2021. [31] In the Chiefs week 15 game against the Chargers, he scored his first career rushing touchdown on a seven-yard run. [32] In the 2021 season, he appeared in 16 regular season games and three postseason games for the Chiefs. [33]

On March 21, 2022, Burton re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal for an undisclosed amount. [34] In the 2022 season, Burton appeared in all 17 regular season games and the three postseason games for the Chiefs. [35] Burton won Super Bowl LVII when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35. [36]

Denver Broncos

On March 17, 2023, the Denver Broncos signed Burton to a one-year contract. [37] Burton appeared in all 17 games as a fullback and special teamer.

On March 13, 2024, Burton signed a one-year contract extension with the Broncos. [38] On August 27, the Broncos released Burton. [39] The next day, he was re-signed to the practice squad. [40] He was promoted to the active roster on September 11. [41]

Personal life

Burton is a Christian. [42] He is married to Kirsten Burton. They have two daughters and a son. [43]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vonta Leach</span> American football player (born 1981)

Terzell Vonta Leach is an American former professional football player who was a fullback for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at East Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Tolbert</span> American football player (born 1985)

William Michael Tolbert is an American former professional football fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Tolbert was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was also a member of the Carolina Panthers, where he was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2017 after being released by the Panthers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stevan Ridley</span> American football player (born 1989)

Stevan Todd Ridley is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. Ridley was also a member of the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Patriots, he won Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orson Charles</span> American football player (born 1991)

Orson Charles is an American former professional football player who was a tight end and fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, earning first-team All-American honors as a tight end in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Driskel</span> American football player (born 1993)

Jeffrey Matthew Driskel is an American professional football quarterback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Driskel has played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theo Riddick</span> American football player (born 1991)

Theo Riddick is a former American football running back of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft. He has also played for the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Latavius Murray</span> American football player (born 1990)

Latavius Rashard Murray is an American professional football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft, with whom he would earn Pro Bowl honors in 2015. He was also a member of the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zach Line</span> American football player (born 1990)

Zach Line is a former American football fullback who played seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football at Southern Methodist University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zach Zenner</span> American football player (born 1991)

Zachary Zenner is a former American football running back. He played college football at South Dakota State. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2015. Zenner also played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami Dolphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graham Glasgow</span> American football player (born 1992)

Graham Michael Glasgow is an American professional football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan, and was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has previously played for the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwayne Washington (American football)</span> American football player (born 1994)

Dwayne Washington is an American professional football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the Washington Huskies. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Janovich</span> American football player (born 1993)

Andy Janovich is an American former professional football fullback. He played college football at Nebraska, and was selected in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He also played for the Cleveland Browns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">De'Angelo Henderson</span> American football player (born 1992)

De'Angelo Henderson Sr. is a former American football running back. He played college football at Coastal Carolina University where he set an NCAA Division 1 record for touchdowns in consecutive games at 35.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamal Agnew</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jamal Agnew is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist who is a free agent. He played college football for the San Diego Toreros. On September 26, 2021, he tied the NFL record for the longest play with a 109 yard return off a missed field goal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Patrick</span> American football player (born 1993)

Timothy Mychael Patrick is an American professional football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Utah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tre'Quan Smith</span> American football player (born 1996)

Tre'Quan Smith is an American professional football wide receiver who is a free agent. He has previously played in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos. He played college football at UCF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil'Jordan Humphrey</span> American football player (born 1998)

Lil'Jordan Humphrey is an American professional football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devine Ozigbo</span> American football player (born 1996)

Devine Eghosa Ozigbo is an American professional football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornuhuskers and signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Beck (American football)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Andrew Beck is an American professional football fullback who is a free agent. He played college football at Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquez Callaway</span> American football player (born 1998)

Marquez Antonio Callaway is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee, and has played in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints.

References

  1. Kratch, James (June 25, 2016). "Former Rutgers FB Michael Burton returns home to host 1st football camp". NJ.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  2. "Michael Burton College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  3. "Michael Burton 2011 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  4. "Michael Burton 2012 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  5. "Michael Burton 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  6. "Michael Burton 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  7. "Michael Burton | Rutgers, FB : 2015 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  8. "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  9. Koestenblatt, Jason (May 12, 2015). "Long Valley's Burton inks four-year deal worth $2.46 million with Detroit". patch.com. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  10. "Ourlads.com: Detroit Lion's Depth Chart: 08/31/2015". ourlads.com. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  11. "Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers – September 13th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  12. "Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – September 20th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  13. "Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks – October 5th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  14. "Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – December 21st, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  15. "Michael Burton 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  16. "Michael Burton 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  17. "Lions sign free agents RB Matt Asiata and G Connor Bozick". DetroitLions.com. May 30, 2017. Archived from the original on May 30, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
  18. Mayer, Larry (May 31, 2017). "Bears add FB Burton, waive TE House". ChicagoBears.com.
  19. "Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears – September 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  20. "Michael Burton 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  21. Mayer, Larry (February 5, 2019). "Bears 2018 position review: Running back". Chicago Bears . Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  22. "Michael Burton 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  23. "Saints Announce Roster Moves Following Rookie Minicamp". NewOrleansSaints.com. May 13, 2019.
  24. "New Orleans Saints make roster reductions to 53". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 31, 2019.
  25. "Redskins Place TE Jerome Cunningham On IR; Release TE Drew Belcher, T Victor Salako; Sign FB Michael Burton". Redskins.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  26. "Michael Burton 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  27. "New Orleans Saints agree to terms with fullback Michael Burton on one-year contract". NewOrleansSaints.com. March 20, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  28. "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. January 2, 2021. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  29. Just, Amie (January 6, 2021). "Saints All-Pros Michael Thomas, Deonte Harris return to practice, 3 RBs reinstated from COVID-19 list". NOLA.com. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  30. "Michael Burton 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  31. "2021 NFL Transactions: Signings – April". NFL.com. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  32. Dillon, John (December 17, 2021). "WATCH: Chiefs FB Michael Burton rumbles for first score vs. Chargers". Chiefs Wire. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  33. "Michael Burton 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  34. Cisneros, Juan (March 15, 2022). "Chiefs resign FB Michael Burton, reports say". KSN.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  35. "Michael Burton 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  36. "Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  37. DiLalla, Aric (March 17, 2023). "Broncos sign FB Michael Burton". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  38. DiLalla, Aric (March 13, 2024). "Broncos re-sign FB Michael Burton to 1-year contract". DenverBroncos.com.
  39. DiLalla, Aric (August 27, 2024). "Broncos make series of roster moves to reach 53-player limit". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  40. DiLalla, Aric (August 28, 2024). "Broncos sign 15 players to practice squad". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  41. DiLalla, Aric (September 11, 2024). "Broncos promote FB Michael Burton to active roster, place RB Audric Estime on IR". DenverBroncos.com.
  42. Romano, Jason (May 29, 2023). "SS PODCAST: Broncos FB Michael Burton on winning a Super Bowl, living for Christ". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  43. "mikeburtonfb". Instagram. Retrieved June 13, 2023.