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

The 2024 season might see some newbies from different sports in the mix. After former rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit’s addition to the Kansas City Chiefs, we might expect a basketball player to play in the offensive line soon. NCAA player DJ Burns Jr. has been the latest name in the buzz of being an NFL prospect.

Burns belongs to Russell Wilson‘s alma mater, NC State, and plays as a forward for the Wolfpack. The ACC Tournament MVP led his college to their first win in the competition this month with 20 points, seven assists, and a three-pointer. It is this raw talent that has the NFL scouts’ ears perked up about the young basketball player.

DJ Burns is being considered as a potential OT

Burns has already earned his limelight in the NCAA tournament, but his future in the NBA hasn’t seen any openings yet. However, his fearless play prompted an NFL scout to highlight his potential as a football player on X. As per Jim Nagy, hardly an hour had passed since he expressed his idea on social media, a general manager, an assistant general manager, and a college director reached out to him about the same.

NFL Analyst Peter Schrager echoed Nagy’s views and revealed how several scouts and GMs are expressing their interest in potentially drafting Burns as an offensive tackle. The 6’9″  Goliath’s size and speed make him an enticing prospect as any team’s lineman, especially given NC State’s connection with a veteran quarterback.

Russell Wilson’s bond remains strong with NC State

Wilson still feels close to the college where he played his first three seasons of football before being transferred to Wisconsin. The Steelers’ quarterback expressed his support and excitement at Wolfpack’s victory over Duke to cement their place in the Final Four in the ACC.

Back in 2020, when NC State couldn’t hold its graduation ceremony because of the pandemic, Wilsons took it upon himself to lift the students’ spirits in dire times. He had a heartfelt video message for the 2020 graduates for the virtual ceremony where he expressed what his alma mater means to him. “And I couldn’t have had a new beginning without NC State because NC State was everything to me,” said Wilson.

Wilson’s love for his university remains as fresh as ever. As the new season approaches,  DJ Burns has definitely ignited interest in a lot of teams, as per recent reports. With the basketball player having not opened up about his interest in football, only time will tell whether we will see the Wolfpack’s forward debut in the NFL.

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