Brian Burns was surprised last week while being honored for his community work at the 33rd annual Gridiron Gala when a reporter pointed out that he is the only returning captain on the New York Giants’ defense and the longest‑tenured starter. “Wow, I am!” Burns said after the realization, pointing at the reporter as the information sank in.
The recognition came amid roster changes: after Dexter Lawrence II was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals last month, Burns became the Giants’ longest‑tenured defensive starter despite entering only his third season with the team, the story said. The Pro Bowl outside linebacker is being honored for work with Brian Burns Family Charities and is scheduled to host a celebrity softball game on May 30 that Burns said will include a large contingent of current Giants teammates and legends.
Burns has made his nephew and autism awareness central to his off‑field efforts. “It’s part of my purpose,” he said, “because this is my family!” The charity events present opportunities to build team camaraderie and bring the community together, according to Burns.
Stanley McClover, Burns’ older brother and a former NFL player who appeared in 14 games for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans from 2006 to 2009, credited Burns for taking a leading role in raising awareness. McClover’s son, 8‑year‑old Champ, was diagnosed with non‑verbal autism at age 2 during Burns’ second season in the NFL. Burns was a first‑round pick (No. 16) by the Panthers in the 2019 draft.
McClover said he was initially “in denial” about Champ’s diagnosis but praised Burns for immersing the family in autism education and for standing at the forefront of outreach. He described the bond between Burns and Champ, saying autistic children can sense a person’s nervous system and that Champ is calm around his uncle. The family has explored nature and animal interactions as teaching tools, including a trip to the Georgia Aquarium and the use of equine therapy; McClover said Champ spoke his first word after meeting horses, and McClover bought a horse soon after.
