Michael Burton

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Burton was born February 1, 1992, in Long Valley, New Jersey. He is a fullback in the National Football League.

He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers. Burton attended and played high school football at West Morris Central High School in Washington Township, New Jersey.

Burton played college football at Rutgers from 2011 to 2014. In the 2011 season, he had 10 carries for 44 rushing yards to go along with 10 receptions for 68 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. In the 2012 season, he had three receptions for 34 receiving yards in four games. In the 2013 season, he had 19 receptions for 149 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. In his final collegiate season in 2014, he had 15 receptions for 150 receiving yards.

Burton was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. On May 12, 2015, the Detroit Lions signed Burton to a four-year, $2.46 million contract with a signing bonus of $184,356.

He entered training camp competing with Emil Igwenagu to be the Detroit Lions' starting fullback. He won the job and was named their starting fullback to begin the regular season. He made his professional regular-season debut and first career start in the Lions' season-opener against the San Diego Chargers. The next game, Burton had his first career carry for a two-yard gain in a 16–26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. On October 5, 2015, he made his first career catch on a three-yard pass from Matt Stafford.  On December 21, 2015, Burton caught his first career touchdown on a four-yard pass from Stafford and finished the 35–27 win over the New Orleans Saints with two receptions for ten yards and one touchdown.

On May 13, 2019, Burton signed with the New Orleans Saints. In 2021 he signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and resigned with them in 2022. Burton signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023.