Artie Burns

BIOGRAPHY

Artie Tyrone Burns Jr. (born May 1, 1995) is a pro-football athlete of American heritage who has been orderly in his career growth within the National Football League (NFL). As a cornerback, his game-changing performances have been crucial for the Seattle Seahawks, the team he currently represents. Although Artie is presently a cherished teammate of the Seahawks, his roots in football can be traced back to his High School and College days in Miami (FL).

Born and bred in Miami, Burns caught the football fever at Miami Northwestern High School, where he absorbed the secrets of defensive back play and forged steel-strong bonds with his future NFL cohorts. His teammates included the talented Eli Rogers, who later joined him at Pittsburgh Steelers. He also worked closely with Dolphins’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Browns’ wide receiver Amari Cooper, further honing his skill and understanding of the game. During Burns’ junior year, he showcased his incredible potential, making 80 tackles, breaking up 87 passes, causing 17 fumbles, and making 22 interceptions. Such impressive stats fetched him the recognition of a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, who rated him the fifteenth best cornerback prospect in his class.

In the next chapter of his career, Burns committed to the University of Miami, where the officials saw immense opportunity in pairing him with Tracy Howard. His prowess on the football field aside, Burns was also an accomplished athlete in track and field, winning the All-USA high school team selection by USA Today in 2011 and 2012. He bagged multiple titles at the 2011 USA Youth outdoor track and field championships, breaking records at the 2012 Bob Hayes Invitational, and breaking a 38-year-old American junior record in the indoor 60-meter hurdles in 2014.

Despite an unfortunate knee injury at the NFL Combine, Burns was projected as a first or second-round draft pick from the University of Miami. Despite the setback, Burns soldiered on, attending the Miami Hurricane’s Pro Day along with twelve other Miami Hurricanes, showcasing his skill and commitment. He caught the eye of Mike Tomlin, the head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers, who saw in him a top cornerback prospect.

Burns’ hard work and dedication paid off when the Steelers picked him in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. The team saw in Burns the same raw talent and potential for greatness that they had seen in Chad Scott when they had selected him in the first round in the 1997 NFL draft. Showing confidence in his capabilities, the Steelers stationed Burns as the second cornerback in training camp, despite his strained quad slowing down his progress. Burns didn’t disappoint, quickly rising in the ranks to become the third cornerback, behind veterans William Gay and Ross Cockrell, within a short time.

By the sixth game of the season, Burns was promoted to the starting nickelback position, starting his first career game, intercepting a pass in the first quarter, and outperforming his seasoned teammates. He ended his rookie season on a high note, playing in 16 games and making 65 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions.

As his stellar career continued, Burns switched from the east coast to the windy city, signing with the Chicago Bears on March 26, 2020. Unfortunately, an ACL injury during a training session cut his season short. Unfazed by the setback, Burns returned to the Bears in March 2021, demonstrating his dedication and resilience.

On March 18, 2022, Burns shifted uniforms yet again, signing with the Seattle Seahawks. His stint with the team was punctuated with re-signings and releases, marking a roller-coaster period of his career. Despite minor hiccups, Burns remained dedicated to the Seahawks, re-signing for the team time and again.

Behind Burns’ impressive career and relentless spirit lies a profoundly personal and emotional journey. Born to Artie Tyrone Burns and Dana Smith, Burns grew up in Miami. His father was incarcerated in 2006, leaving him with his mother, who tragically passed away in 2015. Through these trials, however, Burns persevered, with the University of Miami helping raise funds for his mother’s medical expenses. A proud father of two sons, A.J. and Saint Cairo, and a loving fiancé to Ella, Burns’ personal life is a testament to his endless courage and determination. Additionally, his younger brother Thomas continues to uphold the family legacy at Burns’ alma mater, the University of Miami.