Deontay Burnett Bio
Deontay Burnett, born October 4, 1997, in Compton, California, is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at the University of Southern California (USC) before signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Since then, he has been a member of several professional organizations, including the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Roughnecks, and Dallas Cowboys.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds, Burnett is known for his reliable hands and consistent route-running. He earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017 and was named to the All-XFL Team in 2023, highlighting his ability to perform at a high level across multiple football leagues.
Early Life and Background
Deontay Burnett grew up in Compton, California, a city with a rich athletic tradition. He attended Junípero Serra High School in Gardena, California, where he played football and developed the skills that would eventually lead to a professional career. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit and was not heavily recruited by major college programs.
Despite the limited attention from recruiters, Burnett remained focused on his dream of playing at a top college program. He committed to the University of Southern California on a blueshirt scholarship, which allowed him to join the team after the standard signing day. This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a notable wide receiver at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Burnett’s path to professional football began in earnest when he joined the USC Trojans in 2015. As a true freshman, he appeared in all but two of the team’s games, primarily serving as a backup receiver. He finished his first season with 10 receptions for 161 yards, including a strong performance against California where he led the team in receiving with 3 catches for 82 yards.
During his sophomore season in 2016, Burnett emerged as one of the top three receiving targets for the Trojans. He appeared in all 13 games, started the last five as the slot receiver, and recorded 56 receptions for 622 yards and 7 touchdowns. His breakout performance came in the 2017 Rose Bowl Game, where he caught 13 passes for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning him spots on the 2016 AP All-Bowl Team, ESPN All-Bowl Team, and ESPN Pac-12 All-Bowl Team first teams.
Deontay Burnett Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Following his standout college career, Deontay Burnett signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2018. He was waived by the Titans on September 1, 2018, but quickly found a new opportunity when he was signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad two days later. After being released and re-signed within a week, Burnett was promoted to the Jets’ active roster on October 20, 2018.
Burnett made his NFL debut on October 21, 2018, in a 37–17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, catching one pass for nine yards. Later that season, in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, he recorded a team-high 61 receiving yards on 4 receptions. He was waived by the Jets on August 31, 2019, and subsequently signed to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in October 2019, though he was released later that December.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2019–2021)
Burnett joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad on December 12, 2019, and was promoted to the active roster on December 24, 2019. In Week 17, he caught 2 passes for 48 yards in a 34–17 win against the New York Giants, providing a glimpse of his potential as a reliable target.
He was waived on September 3, 2020, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. During the 2020 season, Burnett was elevated to the active roster for games against the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers. In total, he played in 2 games and had 3 receptions for 19 yards. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 4, 2021, before being waived with a non-football injury designation on March 23, 2021.
UFL and Dallas Cowboys Era (2022–Present)
On November 17, 2022, Burnett was drafted by the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL. He was named to the All-XFL Team in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the league. When the XFL and USFL merged to form the United Football League, the Roughnecks brand was transferred to the Houston Gamblers.
Burnett was selected by the Arlington Renegades during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft on January 5, 2024. He later signed with the Dallas Cowboys on July 27, 2024, but was waived on August 26. On January 27, 2025, he re-signed with the Arlington Renegades, who rebranded as the Dallas Renegades, where he continues his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Deontay Burnett is recognized for his precise route-running, reliable hands, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His experience across multiple leagues, including the NFL, XFL, and UFL, has helped him develop a versatile skill set that allows him to adapt to various offensive schemes and quarterback styles.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Burnett’s most memorable performances came in the 2017 Rose Bowl Game, where he caught 13 passes for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was also named to the All-XFL Team in 2023, a milestone that highlighted his resilience and continued growth as a professional football player.
Deontay Burnett Career Wins
Deontay Burnett has notched several notable performances throughout his professional career, with his most recent contributions coming in the United Football League. His ability to transition between teams and leagues has allowed him to maintain a steady presence in professional football since 2018.
UFL Highlights
Burnett has been a consistent contributor in the UFL, earning a spot on the All-XFL Team in 2023 with the Houston Roughnecks. After being selected by the Arlington Renegades in the 2024 UFL dispersal draft, he joined the Dallas Cowboys briefly before returning to the Renegades, now rebranded as the Dallas Renegades, in 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
During his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Burnett recorded 2 receptions for 48 yards in a Week 17 win against the New York Giants in 2019. His NFL career statistics include 15 receptions for 210 receiving yards across multiple teams.
Deontay Burnett Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Deontay Burnett’s immediate family, including his parents, has not been widely documented. He was raised in Compton, California, a community known for producing talented athletes across various sports.
Personal Life
Deontay Burnett has kept his personal life relatively private, with no publicly available information regarding a spouse or children. He remains focused on his professional football career, continuing to play in the United Football League with the Dallas Renegades.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Deontay Burnett’s career as he returns to the Dallas Renegades, the rebranded Arlington Renegades, in the United Football League. Having signed his contract in January 2025, Burnett is expected to play a key role in the team’s receiving corps, bringing his experience from the NFL and XFL to the UFL.
Burnett’s consistent route-running and reliable hands make him a valuable asset for the Renegades as they compete in the UFL. His journey through multiple professional leagues has equipped him with a deep understanding of the game, and he is poised to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the 2025 season.