Panthers player should be a fan favorite forever after his comments at training camp
This is the time of year when players looking for new contracts often don't report to training camp. It's the only leverage that players have, but not every player feels the need to utilize that leverage. Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns is one of the players who isn't interested in "holding out" even though […]
This is the time of year when players looking for new contracts often don't report to training camp.
It's the only leverage that players have, but not every player feels the need to utilize that leverage.
Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns is one of the players who isn't interested in "holding out" even though he's in line for a contract extension/raise.
On Wednesday, Burns explained why he reported to camp instead of holding out like many of his NFL counterparts in his same situation have done this summer.
"Nah, I was gonna show up," said Burns when asked if he considered not reporting. "I would say mainly just because I missed it. I missed being with my defense. And I kind of feel like what we have going is bigger than — I don't want to say bigger than my individual goals because those matter of course — but I feel like what we're building is bigger than that. I feel like I'm a key piece to what we need to get done. So I feel like I need to be here whether or not I'm going through negotiations. Nah, it didn't cross my mind to sit out."
That's the definition of putting team above self. Sure, Burns wants a new contract. And the two-time Pro Bowler deserves one. But he also knows that Carolina has big goals under new head coach Frank Reich. It's a new era and the team is eager to put the disappointment of the Matt Rhule era behind them as they work toward bringing a championship to Charlotte.
Having star players with Burns' attitude/approach is what it takes to win a championship. That's the kind of culture that the Panthers need if they're going to make a run in the NFC this season or in the next few seasons. It certainly helps to have a veteran like Burns setting the tone for training camp. It's clear this franchise is focused on winning and nothing else.
Bryce Young can make Panthers history with his first snap
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young can make Carolina Panthers history with his first snap in the NFL
Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
