Amari Burney Bio
Amari Burney is an American professional football linebacker born on June 12, 2000, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He developed into a reliable defensive player during five seasons with the Florida Gators and entered the National Football League after the 2023 draft. Burney has spent his early professional career working to establish himself as a depth contributor and special teams presence on the defensive side of the ball.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 228 pounds, Burney has the frame of a modern NFL linebacker. He is known for his quickness, tackling reliability, and experience in coverage schemes. After a brief stint in Las Vegas, he transitioned to the Tennessee Titans as he continues to build his professional résumé.
Early Life and Background
Amari Burney grew up in the Tampa Bay area, specifically in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was raised before pursuing football at a competitive level. The region has a long tradition of producing skilled defensive players, and Burney emerged from that local football culture with an early interest in the sport.
He attended Calvary Christian High School in nearby Clearwater, Florida, where he developed into a college-level prospect at the linebacker position. His work in high school programs in the Tampa Bay region helped him earn attention from several college recruiters, and he eventually committed to the University of Florida to continue his football career.
Burney came from a supportive environment in St. Petersburg that allowed him to focus on athletics and academics. His time at Calvary Christian gave him the foundation he needed to compete in one of the strongest college football conferences in the country.
Path to American Football
Burney joined the Florida Gators football program in 2018, beginning a five-year collegiate journey that ran through the 2022 season. He worked his way up the depth chart as a linebacker, gradually earning more responsibility on defense and in special teams roles. His development at Florida was marked by steady playing time and increasing production.
Throughout his college career, Burney built a reputation as a versatile defender capable of contributing in run support, pass coverage, and as a situational pass rusher. His experience in multiple defensive schemes gave him a well-rounded skill set, which made him an attractive late-round prospect for NFL teams evaluating depth at the linebacker position.
Following the conclusion of his senior season, Burney declared for the 2023 NFL draft. He was selected in the sixth round, 203rd overall, by the Las Vegas Raiders, beginning his professional career as a mid-to-late round rookie looking to earn a roster spot.
Amari Burney Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Amari Burney played at Florida from 2018 to 2022, spending five seasons with the Gators program. He developed into a significant contributor on the defensive side of the ball, appearing in games throughout his college career. His time in Gainesville allowed him to grow into a confident, assignment-sound linebacker ready for the next level.
Across his five seasons at the University of Florida, Burney amassed 224 total tackles, including 121 solo stops, 15 sacks, four interceptions, 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Those numbers highlighted his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, from rushing the passer to defending the pass. By the end of his senior season, he had positioned himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Las Vegas Raiders (2023–2024)
Amari Burney was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the sixth round, 203rd overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. The Raiders added him to their linebacker group as a developmental prospect with special teams upside. He spent his rookie season adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
Through the 2024 season, Burney recorded 32 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble, establishing himself as a rotational defender and core special teams player. His work on coverage units and as a backup linebacker helped him remain on the roster through his first two professional campaigns.
On May 12, 2025, Burney was waived by the Raiders, ending his time in Las Vegas after two seasons. The move was part of the team’s ongoing roster evaluations heading into the new league year.
Tennessee Titans (2025)
On May 13, 2025, Amari Burney was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans, giving him a quick opportunity to continue his career. The Titans added him to their linebacker depth chart as they reshaped their defensive roster during the offseason.
His time in Tennessee proved short, as Burney was waived on August 25, 2025. Although his stint with the Titans was brief, the transaction reflected the constant movement that defines early-career players fighting to find a stable NFL home.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Amari Burney’s career came when he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft, fulfilling a lifelong goal of reaching the professional level. His selection by the Las Vegas Raiders marked the transition from a productive college career at Florida to the demands of the NFL. The milestone validated years of training and development at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Amari Burney Career Wins
Amari Burney’s professional career is still in its early stages, and his statistical résumé reflects a developing role rather than a primary starter. Across his first two NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, he accumulated 32 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. As a depth linebacker and special teams contributor, his impact has come through reliability and versatility.
NFL Highlights
Burney’s most notable statistical line came during the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, when he recorded his first NFL sack and forced fumble alongside 32 total tackles. Those numbers reflect his ability to contribute in multiple defensive situations despite a rotational role.
Other Wins & Performances
While Amari Burney has not yet posted headline-grabbing win totals as a primary starter, his collegiate production at Florida — including 15 sacks and four interceptions — demonstrated playmaking ability. His continued pursuit of a steady NFL opportunity remains the focus of his professional journey.
Amari Burney Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Amari Burney’s immediate family remains limited. He was raised in the St. Petersburg, Florida, area, and his upbringing in the Tampa Bay region played a key role in his athletic development. Further details about parents, siblings, or extended family members are not widely documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Amari Burney has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye. There is no widely confirmed public information about a spouse, partner, or children. His professional football career has been the central focus of his public profile since entering the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Amari Burney’s 2025 storyline began with change, as he was waived by the Las Vegas Raiders on May 12, 2025, after two seasons with the organization. Just one day later, on May 13, 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans, signaling continued interest in his services as a depth linebacker and special teams player. The rapid move highlighted his value as a versatile defender capable of stepping into a roster spot.
His tenure with the Titans, however, came to an end on August 25, 2025, when he was waived as part of the team’s roster trimming process. The transaction places Burney back into the pool of available players as the regular season approaches, and his next opportunity will likely come through another waiver claim or a practice squad addition.
Looking ahead, Burney’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 depends on finding a new team willing to utilize his linebacker skills and special teams experience. His production at Florida and his early NFL statistics suggest he remains a viable depth option for organizations seeking linebacker help. Continued development and a strong opportunity could allow him to grow into a more defined role as his career progresses.