Former NC State star Juston Burris was selected in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL draft by the NY Jets. He spent two years in the Empire State before playing for the Browns in 2018 and 2019. In March, the Raleigh native signed a two-year contract with the Panthers – allowing him to play for a coach he’s heard good things about, in a city that he’s called home for last four years.
“Coach Rhule was a guy I wanted to play for,” Burris said during a press conference Sunday. “Just hearing stories about how players want to run through a brick wall for him…that was a guy I wanted to come back to Carolina and play for.”
Burris’ family, who still live in the Raleigh area, were happy when he signed with Carolina, not only because he’s closer, but because that meant they wouldn’t have to travel far to support him at games.
“They were excited. I have family in Charlotte. My mom, dad and little brother live in Raleigh, so it’s a two and a half hour drive for them. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with fans, but I’m still right here close to them. They’re happy not to have to drive to every game or fly to every game.”
The Panthers have one of the youngest defenses in the entire league and although the five-year vet may be considered an old head in the locker room, Burris still feels like he has something to prove.
“We’re still hungry. We still have a lot to prove. We still have a lot that we want to accomplish. This is the perfect time with and the right situation to come in with a new regime to get that done.”
