Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns has expressed his commitment to remaining with the team that initially drafted him, citing a unique reason not often voiced by football players.
In a recent discussion with assembled media members, Burns revealed his reluctance towards change as the primary motivator for wanting to stay with the Panthers. “Since I was young, I just don’t like change,” he explained during the interview, as reported by ESPN’s David Newton.
Currently in his fifth season with the Panthers after being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, Burns has witnessed varied success with the team, with win totals of five, five, five, and seven games in his first four seasons. The 2023 season is slated to conclude with no more than four wins for the Panthers.
Having the fifth-year contract option exercised on his rookie deal for this season, Burns is set to enter unrestricted free agency in 2024. Despite the team’s struggles and his experience with six different head coaches, including interim appointments, Burns remains steadfast in his desire to continue with the Panthers.
While speculation might point to factors such as confidence in quarterback Bryce Young’s development or potential opportunities in the NFC South, Burns attributes his loyalty to one specific reason.
“I don’t like starting over. It’s just not — I mean I will. If I had to, I will. I can adapt to anything, but I just never liked it.”
Even amidst challenges at Florida State, where losses mounted and the transfer portal emerged, Burns opted to stay, emphasizing his preference for perseverance.
This inclination to avoid uprooting and moving resonates with a universal sentiment. For the Panthers, Brian Burns’ steadfast commitment could prove instrumental in retaining a Pro Bowl-caliber defender, even amid potential changes in the front office.
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