During the Final Four, NC State center DJ Burns Jr. has become a focal point of national attention, captivating America with his performance. Speculation arose about whether Burns, known for his significant presence on the basketball court, might consider a career in football. This speculation was fueled by discussions in football circles and a scout's opinion on his potential in the sport. However, NC State coach Kevin Keatts, along with Burns himself, firmly dismissed the idea of Burns pursuing football. Keatts highlighted Burns' gentle nature off the court, referring to him as a 'teddy bear' and emphasizing his future in basketball. Burns reiterated his lack of interest in football, stating he has no plans to switch sports. His journey through the tournament has not only made him a March Madness sensation but also a figure of intrigue among NFL scouts, despite his clear disinterest in football. Burns has also been recognized as an NIL beacon and received a shout out from NBA star Jokic.
NC State cheer was HYPE to see DJ Burns during open practice! 🔥🐺 https://t.co/f7aUBxqSEE
Since he was a boy, DJ Burns Jr. has stood out for his bigness: big personality, big body, big talent, big joy. He always seemed too big for one campus or conference to contain. Those who know him best say his personality and his heart match his stature. https://t.co/VBhjPqe9s2
DJ Burns has become *the* darling of this NCAA Tournament, a national sensation. But he's much more than what everyone sees. Much more than the caricature. On the DJ Burns everyone sees, and can't miss. And the one people don't know enough about: https://t.co/C90iZ92Ufw
DJ Burns makes it clear he will NOT be playing football. 😅🗣️ https://t.co/TZuNmB5ckm
Will DJ Burns pursue a career in the NFL? He's officially slamming the door shut on speculation, but is it the correct call? WATCH: https://t.co/S84C78ljG4 https://t.co/HMI5yTR6cp
NC State's DJ Burns Jr. shoots down football rumors at Final Four https://t.co/DTihSn7Me0
What a few weeks for DJ Burns. He’s been shout out by Jokic, an NIL beacon and his beaming smile has become the face of the tournament. He’s also become an NFL scouting curiosity; but he has “zero” football interest. https://t.co/oYXFjWKyJh
At Final Four, NC State big man Burns says no, he has no plans on playing football https://t.co/ZPIGG53qxq
NC State's DJ Burns is a March Madness sensation who is getting...NFL attention? @daringantt explained to me and @lebrownlow how this is a very real thing in football circles. https://t.co/qaawYtvmmO https://t.co/pm4ABs4wVt
Talk about a great teammate who has such a joy playing look at DJ BURNS JR of @PackMensBball https://t.co/pXUV5UBy2y
Kevin Keatts on DJ Burns and the possibility of playing football: “No way he’s going to play football. He’s got great touch. He’s a teddy bear off the court.”
"He's never going to play football. If youre around him... He's a teddy bear." - NC State coach Kevin Keatts on DJ Burns potentially playing football 🐺🐺 https://t.co/KbFodrvAdW
Keatts on DJ Burns: “Yeah, no way he’s gonna play football. He’s not the bully you guys think…he’s a teddy bear off the court. I think his future, he’s gonna play basketball, I really do. No way he’s gonna be a football player, and I’ve not gotten any calls about that.” #GoPack
Keatts: “You’re not gonna find DJ Burns anywhere else. He’s a throwback, and if any of you guys have a chance to spend some time with him, what a tremendous personality. He’s as unique as you’re ever gonna get, and I’m glad everybody on the national stage is getting to meet him.”
NC State center DJ Burns has captivated America during the Wolfpack's Final Four run, and many have wondered whether the big man's skills would transfer to football. So we asked a professional scout for his opinion, and he had thoughts. https://t.co/dXiFs5DXUB