Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vontaze Burfict

How Vontaze Burfict built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Vontaze Burfict is a former American football linebacker who played eight seasons in the NFL. After a successful college career at Arizona State, where he earned All-American honors, concerns about his character and performance at the NFL Combine led to him going undrafted in 2012. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent and became a key player for them for seven seasons. His final season was spent with the Oakland Raiders. Burfict's career was marked by both talent and controversy.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1976: Last Bengals Linebacker Selected to Pro Bowl

In 1976, Jim LeClair was the last Bengals linebacker to be selected to the Pro Bowl before Vontaze Burfict in 2014.

2009: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2009, Vontaze Burfict played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was considered a five-star recruit.

2010: All-American Team Selection

In 2010, Vontaze Burfict finished the season with a team-leading 90 tackles and was selected to The Sporting News' All-American team and named Pacific-10 Defensive MVP.

2010: Preseason All-American

In 2010, Vontaze Burfict was named First-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News.

October 2011: Draft Stock Plummet

In October 2011, Vontaze Burfict's draft stock began to decline due to inconsistent play and off-the-field concerns.

2011: Inconsistent Junior Season

In 2011, Vontaze Burfict had an inconsistent junior season at Arizona State, finishing with 69 tackles and 5 sacks.

March 16, 2012: Arizona State Pro Day Performance

On March 16, 2012, Vontaze Burfict attended Arizona State's pro day and described his overall performance as "average".

April 29, 2012: Signed by Cincinnati Bengals

On April 29, 2012, Vontaze Burfict was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals to a three-year contract.

September 23, 2012: First Career Start

On September 23, 2012, Vontaze Burfict earned his first career start at weakside linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals.

December 30, 2012: Season-High Tackles

On December 30, 2012, Vontaze Burfict collected a season-high 18 combined tackles in a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

2012: Burfict goes Undrafted

In 2012, Vontaze Burfict was projected as a top pick in the NFL draft, but after an unimpressive NFL Combine performance and character concerns, he was not selected. He was then signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals.

2012: Projected for NFL Draft

In 2012, Vontaze Burfict was regarded as one of the best linebackers and was projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft. However, his draft stock would later plummet.

January 5, 2013: First Career Playoff Game

On January 5, 2013, Vontaze Burfict started his first career playoff game for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Houston Texans.

November 17, 2013: First Career Touchdown

On November 17, 2013, Vontaze Burfict recorded his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery during a game against the Cleveland Browns.

December 27, 2013: Pro Bowl Selection

On December 27, 2013, Vontaze Burfict was selected to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl, marking the first Bengals linebacker selected since Jim LeClair in 1976.

2013: Bengals Clinch Wild Card Spot

In 2013, The Cincinnati Bengals finished first in the AFC North with an 11-5 record and clinched a wild card spot.

2013: Pro Bowl Selection and Controversy

In 2013, Vontaze Burfict earned Pro Bowl honors while also inciting controversy for frequently violating player safety rules.

August 20, 2014: Signed Contract with Bengals

On August 20, 2014, Vontaze Burfict signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals for $19 million.

2014: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2014, Vontaze Burfict was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.

July 28, 2015: Placed on Physically Unable to Perform List

On July 28, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals placed Vontaze Burfict on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to his knee injury.

October 31, 2015: Activated from PUP List

On October 31, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals activated Vontaze Burfict from the PUP list, adding him to the active roster and naming him a starting linebacker.

January 1, 2016: Season-High Performance Against Ravens

On January 1, 2016, Vontaze Burfict recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made an interception in a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

December 4, 2016: Season-High Performance Against Eagles

On December 4, 2016, Vontaze Burfict achieved a season-high 15 combined tackles, four pass deflections, and intercepted two passes against the Philadelphia Eagles.

August 30, 2017: Suspension Appeal and Reduction

On August 30, 2017, Vontaze Burfict appealed his suspension, and the league reduced it to three games.

September 7, 2017: Contract Extension with Bengals

On September 7, 2017, Vontaze Burfict signed a three-year, $32.53 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals, making him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.