James Burgess (American football, born 1994) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
James Burgess

Burgess with the New York Jets in 2019
No. 52, 58, 57
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1994-03-09) March 9, 1994 (age 31) Florida City, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:	Homestead (Homestead, Florida)
College:	Louisville
Undrafted:	2016
Career history
Miami Dolphins (2016)* San Diego Chargers (2016)* Baltimore Ravens (2016)* Jacksonville Jaguars (2016)* Cleveland Browns (2016–2018) Miami Dolphins (2018–2019)* New York Jets (2019) Atlanta Falcons (2020)* Green Bay Packers (2020) San Francisco 49ers (2021)*
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 166 Sacks: 4.5 Forced fumbles: 2 Fumble recoveries: 1 Interceptions: 1
Player stats at PFR

James Paul Burgess Jr. (born March 9, 1994) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker, which is a key defensive position in football. Linebackers are strong players who stop opponents from running with the ball and also try to tackle the quarterback.

James played college football at the University of Louisville. Fun fact: his father, James Burgess, also played in the NFL! This makes football a special family tradition for them.

James Burgess's NFL Journey

James Burgess Jr. started his professional football career in 2016. He was not chosen in the NFL Draft, but he still got a chance to play. This means he signed with a team as an "undrafted free agent."

Early Career and Practice Squads

James first signed with the Miami Dolphins in May 2016. After a short time, he was released and then joined their practice squad. A practice squad is like a training team where players can keep practicing and be ready if a spot opens up on the main team.

He then spent time on the practice squads of several other teams in 2016. These teams included the San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a busy year for James as he moved between different teams.

Playing for the Cleveland Browns

In December 2016, James signed with the Cleveland Browns. He joined their practice squad first and then signed a longer contract in 2017. This was a big step for him!

During the 2017 season, James played in 14 games for the Browns. He even started in 9 of those games. He made 75 tackles and had 4 sacks, showing he was a strong player on defense.

In 2018, James faced some injuries, including a sprained knee and a hamstring injury. Injuries are tough for athletes, and they can sometimes keep players off the field. He was later released by the Browns.

Return to the Miami Dolphins

In December 2018, James returned to the Miami Dolphins practice squad. He signed a new contract with them for 2019. However, he was waived by the team in May 2019.

Time with the New York Jets

Soon after leaving the Dolphins, James was picked up by the New York Jets in May 2019. He was initially waived but then re-signed to their practice squad.

Later in the 2019 season, James was promoted to the Jets' main team. He played in 10 games and started all of them! He had a great season with 78 tackles and even an interception.

In 2020, James re-signed with the Jets. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list for a short time but was activated later. He was waived by the Jets in September 2020.

Later Career Moves

After the Jets, James continued his journey in the NFL. He joined the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in October 2020.

Later that month, he was signed by the Green Bay Packers to their active roster. He played in 4 games for the Packers in 2020. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in November 2020.

In June 2021, James signed with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he was waived by them in August 2021.

NFL Career Statistics

This table shows James Burgess Jr.'s statistics from his time playing in the NFL. It includes how many games he played, his tackles, sacks, and interceptions.