Spencer Burford Bio
Spencer Burford (born July 19, 2000) is an American professional football guard who plays in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football at the University of Texas at San Antonio, he was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft and quickly became a regular starter on the offensive line. He is recognized for his combination of size, athleticism, and quick development from a mid-round pick into a multi-year NFL starter.
Early Life and Background
Spencer Burford was born on July 19, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in the same city and attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, known athletically as Wagner High School, where he developed into a promising offensive lineman. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, he had the physical frame to attract college attention while still polishing his technique at the high school level.
Coming out of high school, Burford was regarded as a developmental prospect rather than a polished recruit. He chose to continue his football career close to home, committing to the University of Texas at San Antonio to play for the UTSA Roadrunners. His decision allowed him to refine his craft at a program that was on the rise in Conference USA.
Path to American Football
Burford joined the UTSA Roadrunners in 2018 and spent four seasons developing within the program. He steadily improved each year, earning recognition from conference coaches as one of the top offensive linemen in Conference USA. His progression from a young reserve into a dependable starter became a key storyline of his college career.
By his junior and senior seasons, Burford had established himself as a frontline guard. He earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2020 and was promoted to first-team All-Conference USA in 2021, cementing his status as one of the top interior linemen in the league. His strong senior campaign positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2022 draft process.
Spencer Burford Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
During his time at UTSA, Burford transitioned from a developmental player into one of the offensive cornerstones of the Roadrunners. He lined up primarily at guard and was praised for his mobility, hand placement, and ability to operate effectively in a zone-blocking scheme. Coaches credited his work ethic and football intelligence for his rapid rise.
His college résumé included All-Conference USA recognition in back-to-back seasons, with a second-team selection in 2020 followed by a first-team nod in 2021. These honors, combined with his size and athletic testing, convinced NFL evaluators that he was ready to compete at the next level. Following the 2021 season, he declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2022–2025)
The San Francisco 49ers selected Burford in the fourth round, 134th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. The pick reflected the 49ers’ ongoing effort to reinforce their offensive line with young, athletic linemen capable of executing their outside-zone rushing attack. As a rookie, he exceeded expectations by appearing in and starting 16 games, a remarkable workload for a fourth-round selection in his first professional season.
Across his tenure with the 49ers, Burford became a fixture along the interior of the offensive line, contributing to one of the league’s most productive rushing attacks. His combination of foot quickness and leverage made him a strong fit for the scheme deployed by the 49ers’ coaching staff, and he continued to develop his pass-protection skills each year. By the time of his departure, he had compiled 56 games played and 38 games started in the NFL.
On September 20, 2025, Burford was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury suffered in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. He was activated from injured reserve on November 1, ahead of the team’s Week 9 game against the New York Giants, allowing him to return to the field late in the season.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2026–Present)
On March 17, 2026, Burford signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. The deal was reported as a one-year contract worth $3.25 million, including $1.24 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.5 million, signaling a fresh opportunity for the young guard in a new organization.
The move to Las Vegas represented a new chapter for Burford, who joined a Raiders team looking to strengthen its offensive line. His experience as a multi-year starter was expected to provide immediate competition and depth at the guard position as the franchise continued its roster overhaul.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Burford’s early career was starting 16 games as a rookie with the 49ers, a workload rarely handed to a fourth-round pick. His consecutive All-Conference USA selections at UTSA further underscored his consistent year-over-year development. The midseason knee injury in 2025 and subsequent return later that same season demonstrated his resilience and importance to the team.
Spencer Burford Career Wins
Burford’s professional résumé is built on durability, scheme fit, and steady improvement rather than a high volume of statistical milestones. As an offensive lineman, his contributions are reflected in games played, games started, and team rushing performance rather than headline statistics.
Spencer Burford Family
Personal Life
Spencer Burford resides in the United States and maintains an active presence on social media, where he is reachable on X (formerly Twitter). Beyond his professional football career, limited additional public personal details have been officially confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began as a continuation of Burford’s role as a key interior lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, with the offensive line serving as a foundation for the team’s run-heavy approach. The campaign took a difficult turn in Week 2 when he suffered a knee injury against the New Orleans Saints, forcing him onto injured reserve and creating a temporary void along the offensive front.
After a period of recovery, Burford was activated from injured reserve on November 1, allowing him to rejoin the active roster ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants. His return provided a timely boost to the 49ers’ offensive line during the second half of the season, as the team continued to compete in a competitive conference race.
Looking ahead, Burford’s 2025 campaign closed with renewed momentum following his return from injury, reinforcing his value as a dependable starting guard. The experience also set the stage for his next professional chapter, as he prepared to evaluate his long-term options heading into free agency.
