Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) falls with the ball against New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
ONLY IN AMNEWYORK
Coming off his most successful season thus far, superstar pass rusher Brian Burns has his eyes set on helping the New York Giants continue to improve.
In his second season playing at MetLife Stadium, the 27-year-old recorded 16.5 sacks, leading the team and ranking second best in the league behind Myles Garret (23). His success on the field earned him the role of team captain, which he has used to ensure himself and his teammates are always doing the right things.
“First and foremost, I got to do it myself before I can police somebody else to do it. The main thing is making sure everything I have is in order and making sure I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do before I bring anyone else up,” Burns told amNewYork. “I’ll get down on somebody if I have to. But the main thing is being encouraging and making the guys want to work.”
Burns’ success off the edge is a good indicator of what is to come out of a defensive line that includes Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and potentially Dexter Lawrence, who has requested a trade.
Off the field, Burns is starting to immerse himself in the team’s community by hosting an annual celebrity softball game with the proceeds going towards his Hype 4 Life Foundation, which he co-founded alongside his brother to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, Burns will receive the Hometown Hero award at this year’s Gridiron Gala for the work he’s done off the field.
“It’s not necessarily for validation, but it feels good that people are realizing he’s trying to do the right thing, make a difference in the community, and trying to bring people together,” Burns said. “That’s what me, my brother and family strive to do. Try to put smiles on faces and help people out when they are in need.”
Although Burns is a leader on and off the field, the Giants have struggled to find the right head coach who has those same qualities. The front office, however, has begun taking steps to break this streak of perennial losing by hiring former Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh to spearhead their newest regime change.
With that came the addition of new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who spent his past two seasons in the same role with the Tennessee Titans. He was at the forefront of their success on that side of the field, which ranked second in total yards allowed per game (311.2) in 2024.
“Honestly I’m excited to get our get back and show the world what we can actually do,” Burns said. “They always talk about how good we look on paper, but we need to prove it. We have another opportunity in the 2026 season to show people what we are capable of.”
Burns added that this offseason has been “going great” so far, and the coaches have been “great” because of the message they are spreading for the team.
“The offseason program has been tough, but it’s been good work. I feel like it’s going to really pay off in the end,” Burns concluded.
For more on Brian Burns and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
