Early Life and Education of Vontaze Burfict: A Complete Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Vontaze Burfict. A timeline of key moments.

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

1986: Birth of Half-Brother DaShan Miller

In 1986, Vontaze Burfict's older half-brother, DaShan Miller, was born. Miller also played football in high school and college.

September 24, 1990: Vontaze Burfict Born

On September 24, 1990, Vontaze DeLeon Burfict Jr. was born. He would later become a professional football linebacker.

2007: Centennial Finished #24

In 2007, Corona Centennial finished the season as No. 24 on USA Today's Top 25.

2008: High School State Championship

In 2008, Vontaze Burfict's Centennial High School team won a CIF state championship and was ranked second in the nation by USA Today. He led the team with 159 tackles.

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.

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.

January 15, 2014: Guenther Promoted to Defensive Coordinator

On January 15, 2014, Paul Guenther was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.

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.