Artie Burns Bio
Artie Tyrone Burns Jr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. Known for his agility and defensive skills, Burns has established himself as a notable player in the league since his debut.
Early Life and Background
Artie Tyrone Burns Jr. was born on May 1, 1995, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in a challenging environment, as his father, Artie Tyrone Burns, was arrested for drug trafficking and sentenced to 25 years in prison when Burns was just 11 years old. His mother, Dana Smith, passed away from a heart attack in 2015, which deeply affected him. Despite these hardships, Burns excelled in sports during his youth, particularly in football and track. He attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he played as a defensive back and was recognized for his athletic prowess. As a junior, he made 80 tackles and recorded 22 interceptions, showcasing his potential as a top cornerback prospect. Burns was also a standout track athlete, earning All-USA high school track and field team honors and breaking records in hurdles.
Path to American Football
Following his impressive high school career, Artie Burns committed to the University of Miami, where he continued to develop his skills on the football field. He played for the Miami Hurricanes from 2013 to 2015, earning recognition as a Second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player in 2015. His performance at the collegiate level solidified his status as a top prospect for the NFL draft. After declaring for the draft, Burns attended the NFL Combine but suffered a knee injury that limited his participation. Nonetheless, he impressed scouts during his Pro Day, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Artie Burns Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Artie Burns made his professional debut on September 12, 2016, against the Washington Redskins. He quickly became a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting as the third cornerback and later earning a starting position. In his rookie season, he recorded 65 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions, demonstrating his capability as a defensive back. Burns continued to develop in his second season, finishing 2017 with 54 combined tackles and one interception. However, his performance was marred by inconsistency and injuries, leading to the Steelers declining his fifth-year option in 2019.
Breakthrough (2020-2021)
After becoming a free agent, Artie Burns signed with the Chicago Bears on March 26, 2020. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL during training camp, which sidelined him for the entire season. He re-signed with the Bears in March 2021, but his playing time remained limited due to injuries.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Artie Burns has achieved significant milestones, including being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and earning accolades during his college career. His journey reflects resilience and determination, overcoming personal challenges and injuries to remain competitive in the league.
Artie Burns Award Nominations
Artie Burns has received recognition for his performance on the field, notably being named a Second-team All-ACC player in 2015 during his college career.
Artie Burns Awards Won
While Artie Burns has not won major awards in the NFL, his achievements in college football and his selection in the first round of the NFL draft highlight his talent and potential.
Artie Burns Family
Artie Burns is engaged to Ella and they have two sons, A.J. and Saint Cairo. He has two younger brothers, Jordan and Thomas, who also pursued football.
Personal Life
Burns faced significant challenges growing up, including the incarceration of his father and the loss of his mother. Despite these hardships, he has remained focused on his career and family, becoming engaged to Ella in 2017. He continues to work towards his goals in professional football while being a dedicated father.
