Burks attended South County High School in Lorton, Virginia. Rated as a 3-star prospect out of high school, Burks committed to Vanderbilt over other offers from Duke, Maryland, Boston College, and others.
College career
In a game against Kentucky during his second year, Burks intercepted 2 passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This feat caused him to become the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the week.[1] Following his senior season, Burks was also invited to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl as an alternate.[2]
The Green Bay Packers selected Burks in the third round (88th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[5] The Packers traded their fourth (101st overall) and fifth round (147th overall) picks in 2018 to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the Panthers' third round pick which they used to select Burks.[6] Burks was the 12th linebacker drafted in 2018.[7]
On May 17, 2018, the Packers signed Burks to a four-year, $3.43 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $820,756.[8][9][10]
Burks entered training camp slated as a backup inside linebacker. He competed against Antonio Morrison to be a starting inside linebacker after Jake Ryan sustained a torn ACL during training camp.[11] Burks sustained a shoulder injury during pre-game warmups before the start of the Packers' third preseason game at the Oakland Raiders and was subsequently inactive for the first two regular season games (Weeks 1–2).[12] Head coach Mike McCarthy named Burks a backup starting inside linebacker, behind Antonio Morrison, upon his return from injury.[13] On September 23, 2018, Burks made his professional regular season debut and recorded two combined tackles during a 31–17 loss at the Washington Redskins in Week 3.[14]
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