Vontaze Burfict? A mentor? You wouldn't think a guy who has had countless suspensions for questionable (and sometimes flat out dirty) behavior throughout his NFL career would take on that role, but it seems like that is exactly what he is doing with his new Oakland Raiders club.
Several Raiders defensive players have raved about Burfict's influence, crediting his knowledge of the system, and now, Burfict says that playing such a role has been helpful for himself.
“It kind of keeps me sharp on my game,” said Burfict, according to Jerry McDonald of The San Jose Mercury News. “You know, if you’re not talking football, if you’re not thinking about football, then what are we here for,” Burfict said, via the San Jose Mercury News. “So, like a lot of guys want to watch film with me to see how much I know. At the same time I’m coaching them, I’m coaching myself. I enjoy being a leader and I want all 11 to think the same way when we’re out there so we can all play fast.”
Burfict spent the first seven years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, but due to injuries and suspensions, his overall playing time was rather limited, as he has not played a full 16-game campaign since 2016 and has not played any more than 11 games in any one particular season since.
However, there is no denying Burfict's talent, as he made the Pro Bowl after racking up a league-leading 177 tackles to go along with three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a couple of fumble recoveries, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown during that 2016 campaign.
He appeared in just seven contests this past year, logging 33 tackles.
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