The Steelers and their No. 1 draft pick have made their relationship official as of Wednesday afternoon.
The team announced that they have signed Burns to a four-year contract. Burns was drafted by the Steelers with the 25th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (FL).
In his 23 games started with the Hurricanes Burns recorded 93 tackles and seven interceptions. Burns was also a track star at Miami and became the Steelers’ first cornerback taken in the first round of the draft since 1997.
Burns’ story is a tough one coming from the Liberty City area of Miami, playing for Miami Northwestern High School which has such notable alums as Raiders receiver Amari Cooper, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David.
As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explained, Burns lost his father to prison when he was just 11 years old and he lost his mother to a heart attack just last October. It forced the now 21-year-old to grow up fast and he’s raising his teenage brothers along with his own infant son.
Burns’ drive and focus is undeniable as described by Teresa Varley in her profile of the rookie cornerback. He’s happy to have his contract settled so that he can just focus on playing football; his greatest passion.
"“Football is what this is all about. Everything is about football right now. I am playing for the team, for the city. I want to please everybody in the building, and please everybody in the city. We want the fans out there standing on their feet.” – Artie Burns"
At some point Burns will realize that pleasing everyone in this city is virtually impossible because yinzers are gonna yinz but at this point let’s just appreciate the optimism. The kid clearly sees the expectations and pressure that will be put on him and he wants to go out and show out. Good luck to him.
Next: Steelers expectations for Bud Dupree
With this signing the Steelers have now inked six out of their seven draft picks. Only third-round pick defensive tackle Javon Hargrave remains unsigned out of the 2016 Steelers draft class.