Denzel Burke, a chance starting cornerback, has signed with the Arizona Cardinals. The Patriots drafted him at 174th overall in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. The Arizona native showcases local musicians and artists. He brings plenty of experience from his time at Ohio State, as he helped anchor their offensive line to a national championship earlier this year.
Burke’s path to the NFL was paved by a childhood spent along Arizona’s border with Mexico. He lived in West Phoenix, North Scottsdale, and Tempe. His other passion, football, bloomed and drove him to the bright lights of professional football. He went to Saguaro High School and Brophy College Preparatory. There, he not only developed his skills on the field but laid the groundwork for his future success.
In May, Burke took his first, but surely not his last, drive through the Arizona desert to the Cardinals’ facility in Tempe for rookie minicamp. The whole experience still felt like a dream for Burke, who had to settle for watching previous games from the upper deck of State Farm Stadium. Here he is, now on the Indianapolis roster of his hometown team.
“A lot of great guys you’re going to be going against weekly,” – Denzel Burke
After the unprecedented collegiate success and win over Alabama for the College Football Playoff National Championship this past January, Burke came home. He moved in with his parents, where he still lives. At the moment, he’s closing on a house. This extremely exciting and somewhat scary change represents a growing and developing new chapter in his life as a newly minted professional athlete.
Burke’s arrival to the Cardinals comes under the new leadership of first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon, a former defensive back, too. Gannon recognizes Burke’s potential and considers him a strong fit for the team’s defensive scheme. Beyond athletic ability, Gannon praises Burke’s character and work ethic.
“And it’s important for you to put your best foot forward and knowing that some guys are going to win some reps and you just got to keep going and just make sure you win the majority of the reps.” – Denzel Burke
Burke is a member of the 2024 rookie class. He’s a whirling dervish, and he is pumped up and primed to take on the new challenges of the NFL! He knows that to play at this level, it takes grit and resolve.
“It is something you got to get used to,” – Denzel Burke
Despite the gloomy road ahead, Burke is still hopeful about how he would address any pitfalls before him. He wants to remind you to hydrate. He wants to emphasize the pivotal role that hydration plays. To just help them keep that love for the game going, even in harsh circumstances.
“Just stay hydrated and if you love football, weather shouldn’t really be a problem.” – Denzel Burke
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