There is bad news for people hoping for DJ Burns Jr. to enter the NFL. After rumors cropped up about the teams’ interest in the NC State basketball player, the person of interest himself has come forward to put all speculations to rest. The Wolfpack player from Russell Wilson‘s alma mater gained limelight after his spectacular play in the ACC Tournament.

Several NFL analysts soon claimed that Burns might have a chance in the NFL due to his size and agility. Many claimed that he might enter the NFL realm like Wilson as several teams were already making moves about the same. While Burns’ take was not known initially, the NC state star has finally addressed all rumors in a recent interview.

In a conversation on the Dan Patrick Show, Burns was asked about the reality of the NFL speculations going around. The forward attributed the Wolfpack’s recent popularity to the conjectures and reaffirmed his plans to play in the NBA in the future. “I think that (rumors) just comes along with, you know, our team being trending right now. They always find something to talk about that just happens to be one of the topics.”

Burns further clarified that even if the NBA dream doesn’t come true, he would “probably explore some other options with basketball first” before considering a switch of paths to football. But the NFL option isn’t entirely dismissed as he concluded with, “I’m not a close-minded person.”

As for the teams reaching out, the young player expressed that he himself hasn’t been contacted by anyone yet. With Burns having made his preference for basketball clear, fans hoping to see a crossover of the sports would have to give up their hopes for the time being. However, it doesn’t change the reality that he would make a promising NFL prospect, especially with the way he has played for the Wolfpack.

How Burns rose to the limelight in the Wolfpack

It’s not hard to fathom why the reports of NFL teams being interested in Burns arose in the first place. Burns has the agility to match his 6’9″ 275-pound frame. The young player led the NC State Wolfpack to their first NCAA Final Four in over 40 years and has already become a star in his college. The ACC Championship MVP is struggling to come to terms with newfound stardom and confessed that while he likes it, “he doesn’t want to be broadcasted at all times.”

“Playing basketball is not the problem,” said Burns. “I’m more talking about like, you know, walking through the hotel and being on the bus,- sometimes in my room you know, they just- the cameras just tend to follow when you’re, you know, a trending topic at the time.”

Burns is a local celebrity, and rightfully so, especially after his stellar game against the Duke. He led his team into the Final Four with 20 points, seven assists, and a three-pointer. It is his footwork that got fans rooting for the young Wolfpack player this year.

While Burns won’t be leaving basketball for the NFL anytime soon, his current performance promises a fair shot at the NBA. The NC State player is already garnering accolades and praise for himself, including from the NBA MVP Nikola Jovic.

Read More: NFL Has ‘Real Interest’ in NC State Basketball’s DJ Burns Amid Russell Wilson’s Constant Support for the Wolfpack