The NFL reinstated linebacker Vontaze Burfict from his suspension last month, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Burfict, who played for the Raiders in 2019, was suspended for the final 12 games of this past season as a result of his illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle back in Week 4.
Pelissero notes that the unrestricted free agent is working out at Arizona State and that he is committed to playing in the NFL in 2020 and beyond.
Burfict's agent, Peter Schaffer, says that Burfict has spent the offseason talking to coaches and league executives about the proper code of conduct to remain in the NFL.
Talent has never been an issue for Burfict. It's that he has simply been unable to stay on the field.
Due to injuries and the 13 times he has been suspended since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2012, Burfict has not played a full 16-game campaign since 2013, topping out at 11 contests in 2016.
The 29-year-old had a couple of very impressive seasons to start his NFL career, totaling 127 tackles, a sack, and a couple of fumble recoveries during his rookie campaign and following that up by racking up a league-leading 171 tackles to go along with three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a pair of fumble recoveries, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown en route to a Pro Bowl appearance in 2013.
Burfict spent the first seven years of his professional tenure with the Bengals before linking up with the Raiders last offseason.
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