Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Vontaze Burfict

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

Public opinion and media debates around Vontaze Burfict—discover key moments of controversy.

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.

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

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.

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.

2013: Pro Bowl Selection and Controversy

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

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.

December 15, 2015: Accusation of Intentionally Targeting Ankle

On December 15, 2015, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger accused Vontaze Burfict of intentionally targeting his ankle during a regular season game on December 13.

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 22, 2017: Kicking Incident

On October 22, 2017, Vontaze Burfict gained attention for kicking Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix in the face mask during a 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.

2019: Mother Interviewed about Hard Hits

In 2019, Burfict's mother told USA Today about parents requesting that her son ease up on his hard hits during his high school days.

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.