Amari Burney Bio
Amari Burney is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on June 12, 2000, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Burney developed into a standout defensive player during his collegiate career at the University of Florida. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 203rd overall pick. After spending two seasons with the Raiders, Burney joined the Tennessee Titans organization in 2025. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 228 pounds, Burney brings size and athleticism to the linebacker position at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Amari Burney grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where his football journey began at Calvary Christian School in Clearwater. During his high school years at Calvary Christian, Burney established himself as a promising defensive talent, developing the skills that would eventually carry him to the collegiate level. His performance in high school positioned him to continue his football career at one of the nation’s premier college programs in the SEC.
Burney’s combination of size, speed, and football instincts made him an attractive prospect for major college programs. His development during these formative years laid the foundation for his transition to Division I football, where he would compete against the best collegiate athletes in the country week in and week out.
College Career at Florida
Amari Burney took his talents to the University of Florida, joining the Florida Gators football program in 2018. Over the course of his five-year collegiate career spanning from 2018 to 2022, Burney developed into one of the most consistent defensive players on the Gators roster. His ability to diagnose plays and react quickly allowed him to make an impact from his early seasons in Gainesville.
Throughout his time with the Florida Gators, Burney accumulated impressive statistics that demonstrated his all-around playmaking ability. He recorded 224 total tackles, including 121 solo tackles, while also contributing 15 sacks, 4 interceptions, 12 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. These numbers reflected his versatility and ability to affect the game in multiple ways from the linebacker position. His durability and consistency over five seasons made him a reliable anchor in the Gators’ defensive unit, and his production at the college level earned him a spot in the NFL Draft.
Amari Burney Professional Career
Las Vegas Raiders (2023–2024)
After declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft following the conclusion of his college career, Amari Burney heard his name called in the sixth round. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the 203rd overall pick, providing him the opportunity to begin his professional football journey with the NFL franchise. Burney’s selection represented the culmination of years of development that began in Clearwater, Florida, and continued through his standout career at Florida.
During his rookie season and the following year with the Raiders, Burney worked to establish himself in the professional ranks. He appeared in games over the course of two seasons, contributing to the Raiders’ defensive efforts while learning the nuances of the NFL game. His rookie campaign and second year provided valuable experience against the highest level of competition. By the end of the 2024 season, Burney had recorded 32 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble at the NFL level, showing flashes of the playmaking ability that characterized his college career.
Tennessee Titans (2025)
In May 2025, Burney’s career path led him to the Tennessee Titans organization. The Raiders waived Burney on May 12, 2025, and the Titans claimed him off waivers the following day on May 13, 2025. This move represented a fresh opportunity for Burney to continue his NFL career with a new team and coaching staff. The Titans saw potential in the young linebacker and provided him an opportunity to compete for a spot on their roster during the 2025 season.
However, Burney’s tenure with the Titans proved brief, as the organization waived him on August 25, 2025. Despite this setback, Burney’s journey demonstrated the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges that young players face in establishing themselves at the sport’s highest level. His brief time in Tennessee offered valuable professional experiences that will serve him as he continues his football career.
Amari Burney Career Statistics
Amari Burney’s professional career statistics reflect his early development in the NFL. During his time with the Las Vegas Raiders over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Burney appeared in multiple games and contributed defensively. His rookie and second seasons provided essential learning opportunities as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football. The transition from college to the NFL presents significant challenges, and Burney’s early statistics indicate a player working to establish himself in the league.
College Statistics Highlights
At the University of Florida, Amari Burney’s five-year career produced cumulative statistics that highlighted his consistency and production as a defensive player. His 224 total tackles and 15 sacks over four seasons demonstrated his ability to make plays both against the run and as a pass rusher. His 4 interceptions and 12 passes defended showed range and coverage skills that translate well to the modern linebacker position. These numbers, accumulated against SEC competition, provided a strong foundation for his professional career.
| Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2023–2024) | 32 | 1 | 0 |
| College (2018–2022) | 224 | 15 | 4 |
Personal Life
While Amari Burney maintains a public presence through his professional football career and social media activity, detailed information about his personal life remains relatively private. His focus remains on his football career as he continues to work toward success at the professional level. Burney’s journey from St. Petersburg, Florida, through Calvary Christian High School and the University of Florida to the NFL exemplifies the pathway that many professional football players follow.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought significant changes to Amari Burney’s professional career. After beginning the year with the Las Vegas Raiders, he experienced a mid-season transition when the Raiders waived him in May. The Tennessee Titans claimed him off waivers, offering a new opportunity with a different organization. Burney worked with the Titans coaching staff during the offseason and preseason to demonstrate his abilities and compete for a roster spot.
The Titans ultimately made the decision to waive Burney in late August, concluding his brief tenure with the franchise. This experience highlighted the competitive realities of the NFL, where roster spots are earned through performance and consistency. Burney’s 2025 season provided valuable professional experiences that will inform his continued development as he pursues opportunities to continue his football career at the highest level.