What Happened to Vontaze Burfict?

By Jason Bolton March 29, 2024 18:24

Vontaze Burfict, born on September 24, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, had a promising start in his football career but was marred by controversial incidents and character concerns that affected his professional journey in the National Football League (NFL). From Multiple Suspensions and fines to potentially being the reason Antonio Brown is out of the NFL we take a deep dive in to what truly happened to Vontaze Burfict

Early Career and College Success

Burfict's football journey began in his high school years at Centennial in Corona, California. He continued to play at the college level for the Arizona State Sun Devils, where he earned first-team All-American honors and was named the Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2009. This success positioned him as a projected top pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

NFL Career with the Bengals and Raiders

Despite his college achievements, Burfict's NFL Combine performance and character concerns led to him being passed over in the draft. He then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent the majority of his career, followed by a season with the Oakland Raiders in 2019.

Burfict experienced both success and controversy during his NFL career. He led the Bengals in tackles during his rookie season and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2013 [6]. However, his career was overshadowed by frequent violations of player safety rules, resulting in numerous fines and suspensions. His on-field conduct led to him being suspended for a total of 22 games due to 14 separate incidents, accumulating over $5.3 million in fines and forfeited salary. Notably, his actions also led to the longest on-field suspension in NFL history, where he missed most of his Raiders tenure due to a 12-game suspension for a personal foul.

Controversial Incidents and Legal Issues

Throughout his career, Burfict's on-field behavior and character concerns sparked widespread attention and criticism. In 2013, he was fined $31,000 for incidents during a game against the Green Bay Packers, including a hit on a defenseless receiver and intentionally striking an opponent. His pattern of behavior led to further disciplinary actions and raised questions about player safety in the NFL [6].

In addition to his on-field conduct, Burfict faced legal issues off the field. In 2020, he was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge in Nevada, adding to the controversies surrounding his career.

Impact on the NFL

Burfict's career exemplifies the complex intersection of talent, controversy, and personal struggles within professional sports. His on-field prowess was often overshadowed by his tumultuous behavior, leading to significant repercussions for both himself and the teams he played for. His story also raises broader questions about the management of player conduct and safety within the NFL.

Future Prospects

As of 2020, Burfict expressed a desire to continue his NFL career, aiming to find a team for the upcoming season. However, his history of controversial actions and suspensions raised doubts about his future in the league. The ongoing legal and disciplinary issues further complicated his prospects for returning to professional football.

At this point it looks like Vontaze Burfict's career of terrorizing NFL Wide Receivers and Running Backs and getting fines seems to be over. Being out of the league for multiple years Burfict will be remembered as an amazing player who didn't make a lot of friends on the field.

Vontaze Burfict's career in the NFL was marked by a mix of exceptional talent, on-field controversies, legal issues, and a desire for redemption. His story serves as a reflection of the complexities and challenges faced by professional athletes in the modern sports landscape.