Challenges in the Life of Vontaze Burfict in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Vontaze Burfict. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

July 2009: Struggled to Meet Admission Standards

In July 2009, Vontaze Burfict struggled to meet admission standards for Arizona State University based on NCAA eligibility requirements.

October 6, 2010: Burfict Benched for Penalties

On October 6, 2010, Vontaze Burfict was benched by Arizona State's head coach due to an unusually high number of personal foul penalties.

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 25, 2012: Failed Drug Test Report

On April 25, 2012, it was reported that Vontaze Burfict had failed his drug test at the NFL Combine.

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.

October 14, 2014: Olsen Accusations

On October 14, 2014, Greg Olsen accused Vontaze Burfict of intentionally trying to injure him and Cam Newton.

October 15, 2014: NFL Fines Burfict

On October 15, 2014, the NFL fined Vontaze Burfict $25,000 for ankle twisting incidents involving Greg Olsen and Cam Newton.

October 29, 2014: Knee Surgery

On October 29, 2014, it was reported that Vontaze Burfict underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

December 9, 2014: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 9, 2014, Vontaze Burfict was placed on injured reserve.

January 26, 2015: Microfracture Surgery Revealed

On January 26, 2015, it was revealed that Vontaze Burfict underwent microfracture surgery to address ongoing issues in his knee that had been surgically repaired the previous October.

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.

December 18, 2015: NFL Fines

On December 18, 2015, Vontaze Burfict received three fines from the NFL totaling $69,454, including a fine for a hit on Ben Roethlisberger and two fines for unnecessary roughness penalties.

January 11, 2016: Suspension for Player Safety Violations

On January 11, 2016, the NFL announced Vontaze Burfict's suspension for the first three games of the 2016 season due to repeated violations of player safety rules.

August 28, 2017: Suspension for Blindside Block

On August 28, 2017, Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the first five games of the 2017 season due to a blindside block on Anthony Sherman during a preseason game.

October 27, 2017: NFL Fine for Kicking Incident

On October 27, 2017, Vontaze Burfict was fined $12,154 by the NFL for kicking Roosevelt Nix.

December 4, 2017: Concussion After Blindside Block

On December 4, 2017, Vontaze Burfict sustained a concussion after a blindside block by JuJu Smith-Schuster during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was carted off the field.

March 16, 2018: Four-Game Suspension for PED Violation

On March 16, 2018, Vontaze Burfict received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.

October 20, 2018: Fined for Unnecessary Hits

On October 20, 2018, Vontaze Burfict was fined $112,000 for hits on Antonio Brown and James Conner in Week 6 that the league deemed unnecessary.

December 5, 2020: Arrest for Misdemeanor Battery

On December 5, 2020, Vontaze Burfict was arrested for misdemeanor battery outside a casino in Las Vegas. He was later released on bond, and the charges were dropped.