“She’s playing basketball. Everyone’s playing basketball. C’mon…”. Columnist Christine Brennan faced backlash after questioning WNBA player DiJonai Carrington about whether she intentionally hit Caitlin Clark in the eye. While not as intense as Josh Hart’s response, Kayla Burton’s remark captured the sentiment of many. As she embarks on her new reporting niche in basketball, the journalist may feel compelled to hold her peers accountable while also focusing on important issues.

In the two months that she joined NBC Sports, the 28-year-old has made waves for the way she has handled her transition from the world of football to covering activities on the NBA and WNBA courts. Then again, she’s no novice to the sport, having devoted a major part of her life to it. Therefore, without any further ado, let us find out exactly how.

Who is Kayla Burton?

Early Life

The future ESPN reporter was born in 1995. Though there is no exact specification on her birthplace, it is known that she originates from the United States. Right from her childhood, Kayla was influenced by sports by observing her family history. Her grandfather, Ron Burton, served as the tailback for the New England Patriots (then known as the Boston Patriots) from 1960 to 1965. Kayla’s father, Steve Burton, played as a starting quarterback for Northwestern University, before finding his niche in news broadcasting. Her mother, Virginia, also attended Northwestern, impressing the people around her with her swimming skills that even got her qualified for the Olympic time trials!

In light of such a remarkable legacy, Kayla certainly had some big shoes to fill. While it would be her sister, WNBA star Veronica Burton, who would gain the most prominence in the field, Kayla herself went on to dabble in basketball during the early stages of her life.
Her parents encouraged a strong interest in sports for her and her siblings. They were often made to wake up at 5 a.m. to train at their church or school gym. After achieving impressive statistics in high school, Kayla ultimately enrolled at Lehigh University to further her education and explore the potential of her basketball journey.

During her four years at Lehigh, Kayla played a total of 123 games and averaged 2.9 points and 1.4 assists. Her high point came during her freshman year itself, when she averaged 5.4 points by dropping 52-168 field goals, 40-121 three-pointers, and 23-28 free throws. However, sports wasn’t her only priority. After all, her father’s role as the sports anchor at Boston’s WBZ-TV also influenced her. While she didn’t have much success in her college basketball career, Kayla did pass out of Lehigh with a Bachelor in Journalism, later getting her Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University.

Career

Kayla didn’t jump into Journalism fully after graduation. She first gained some experience as the head coach for The Rivers School elementary girls’ basketball team, along with a position as a substitute teacher. On top of that, she conducted interviews with players and coaches for the Celtics Late Night Show, along with writing updates before and after games.

She received her first big break with the ACC Network, conducting interviews with athletes and coaches before taking up a basketball analyst position. Then, her journey led her toward FOX6 and WGGB.

In 2021, Kayla decided to give basketball a break and give a chance to the sport that meant so much to her father and grandfather. Joining the NFL Network as an Anchor/Reporter, her new role allowed her to interview star players like Maxx Crosby, and cover stories like Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary action, Drake’s injury, and Title IX’s 50 celebration. She became so well known in the NFL circle that when her sister, Veronica, was drafted in the WNBA, Kayla received a congratulatory call from Tom Brady himself!

Soon, ESPN caught her attention, where she served as a college football sideline reporter. When she got the chance to cover her college sport by reporting from the news coming out of the two ultimate basketball leagues, it was too good of an offer to refuse.

What was Kayla Burton’s reaction when she joined NBC Sports Boston?

The Boston Celtics had always been close to Kayla. They were her favorite team even during her childhood days. Therefore, it made sense that when she got an offer, it was from NBC Sports Boston!

In a statement, Kevin Miller, the Vice President of Content Creation & Strategy, highlighted his excitement over the new hire. “Kayla’s infectious energy for storytelling and her passion for the area as a Boston native, combined with her multiplatform experiences, will be essential as we continue to evolve our content and connect with our audiences.”

Kayla reciprocated by revealing “I’m back home covering the sports city of champions. Being born and raised in the Boston area, I have a sincere passion for its fan base, community, and sports franchises. As a journalist, I enjoy storytelling with accuracy and authenticity. I love it here and cannot wait to get started.”

Her addition to the franchise coverage couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Celtics prepare for the 2024-25 season as defending champions. After already taking part in the Celtics’ Media Day, it will be interesting to see what other stories unfold for her once the main season begins.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.