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Exceptional Jerome Burnett: A Football Phenom On The Rise

Trends January 09, 2025

Who is Jerome Burnett?

Jerome Burnett is a former American football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons.

He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft and also played for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.

Burnett played college football at West Virginia University, where he was a two-time All-American.

He is currently the defensive backs coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team.

Personal details

Born:	September 13, 1982 (age 40)
Birth Place:	Miami, Florida
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	185 lb (84 kg)
College:	West Virginia
NFL Draft:	2005 / Round: 7 / Pick: 223
Position:	Cornerback
Teams:	Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins

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Jerome Burnett's NFL career
Jerome Burnett's college football career
Jerome Burnett's coaching career

Jerome Burnett Football Player

Jerome Burnett, a former American football player, played as a cornerback in the NFL for six seasons. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, he also played for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins. Burnett's NFL career spanned six seasons, during which he showcased his skills as a defensive back.

Position: Cornerback
Teams: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
Draft: 2005 NFL Draft, Round 7, Pick 223
College: West Virginia University
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight: 185 lb (84 kg)

Jerome Burnett's NFL journey began with the Green Bay Packers, where he played for three seasons. He then moved to the Detroit Lions for two seasons before finishing his NFL career with the Washington Redskins. Throughout his career, Burnett's defensive skills and contributions to his teams were notable.

1. Position

In American football, the cornerback position is crucial for defending against opposing teams' passing plays. Cornerbacks are responsible for covering receivers and preventing them from catching passes. They must possess a combination of speed, agility, and ball-hawking skills to excel in this role.

Man-to-man coverage: Cornerbacks often cover receivers one-on-one, preventing them from getting open for passes. This requires excellent footwork, quickness, and the ability to read the receiver's routes.
Zone coverage: In zone coverage, cornerbacks are responsible for defending a specific area of the field, rather than a particular receiver. They must be able to read the quarterback's intentions and adjust their positioning accordingly.
Blitz: Cornerbacks may also be called upon to blitz the quarterback, putting pressure on them and disrupting their passing game.
Tackling: Cornerbacks are often the last line of defense against opposing receivers, so they must be able to tackle effectively to prevent yards after the catch.

Jerome Burnett, as a cornerback, played a vital role in his teams' defensive strategies. His speed, agility, and ball-hawking abilities allowed him to cover receivers effectively and contribute to his teams' success.

2. Teams

Jerome Burnett played for three NFL teams during his six-season career: the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins. Each team provided him with a unique opportunity to contribute to their defensive strategies and showcase his skills as a cornerback.

Green Bay Packers (2005-2007): Burnett began his NFL career with the Packers, playing three seasons in Green Bay. He quickly established himself as a reliable cornerback, contributing to the team's defensive success. During his time with the Packers, Burnett recorded 104 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
Detroit Lions (2008-2009): Burnett joined the Lions in 2008 and played for two seasons in Detroit. He continued to be a valuable member of the team's defense, starting 29 games and recording 122 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions. Burnett's contributions helped the Lions improve their defensive performance during his tenure with the team.
Washington Redskins (2010): Burnett's final NFL season was with the Redskins in 2010. He played in 15 games, starting 10 of them. Despite playing in only one season for the Redskins, Burnett made a significant impact, recording 54 tackles, 7 pass deflections, and 1 interception. His contributions helped the Redskins improve their defensive performance and finish the season with a winning record.

Throughout his career, Jerome Burnett proved to be a valuable asset to each team he played for. His skills as a cornerback, combined with his dedication and hard work, made him a respected and effective defender in the NFL.

3. Draft

The 2005 NFL Draft, held in New York City, marked a significant milestone in Jerome Burnett's football journey. Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round, 223rd overall, Burnett's draft position played a crucial role in shaping his NFL career.

Path to the NFL: The NFL Draft serves as a gateway for college football players to enter the professional ranks. Burnett's selection in the seventh round highlighted his potential and determination to succeed at the highest level.
Opportunity and Competition: Despite being a late-round pick, Burnett seized the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Packers' roster. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he earned playing time and contributed to the team's success.
Proving Ground: For players drafted in later rounds, each season becomes a proving ground. Burnett's consistent performances and contributions to the Packers' defense solidified his place on the team and paved the way for his future success in the NFL.
Inspiration and Motivation: Burnett's journey from a seventh-round pick to a respected cornerback serves as an inspiration to young athletes. It demonstrates that hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude can overcome obstacles and lead to success.

Jerome Burnett's draft position in the 2005 NFL Draft was not merely a number; it was a starting point for his remarkable NFL career. His perseverance, talent, and unwavering determination allowed him to rise above his draft status and make a significant impact on the field.

4. College

Jerome Burnett's collegiate career at West Virginia University (WVU) played a pivotal role in shaping his future as a professional football player. His time with the Mountaineers laid the foundation for his success in the NFL and showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

During his four seasons at WVU, Burnett established himself as a standout cornerback. His impressive performances earned him numerous accolades, including being named a two-time All-American and receiving All-Big East honors. Burnett's contributions to the Mountaineers' defense were invaluable, helping the team achieve success on the field.

WVU provided Burnett with the platform to refine his skills, develop his football IQ, and compete at a high level. The university's football program, known for its strong tradition and commitment to excellence, fostered Burnett's growth as a player and prepared him for the challenges of the NFL.

Jerome Burnett's college experience at West Virginia University was instrumental in his journey to becoming a successful NFL cornerback. The university's supportive environment, experienced coaching staff, and competitive atmosphere played a crucial role in his development and ultimately paved the way for his professional achievements.

5. Height

Jerome Burnett's height of 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) played a significant role in his success as a cornerback in the NFL. Despite not possessing the typical height advantage of many cornerbacks, Burnett's exceptional athleticism, technique, and determination allowed him to overcome any physical limitations.

Burnett's shorter stature provided him with certain advantages on the field. His lower center of gravity gave him greater agility and balance, enabling him to change direction quickly and stay with receivers in coverage. His strong lower body also allowed him to generate explosive bursts of speed, essential for keeping up with speedy wide receivers.

Furthermore, Burnett's height allowed him to excel in press coverage, where he could jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt their routes. His ability to get his hands on receivers and redirect them off their intended paths was a valuable asset to his teams' defensive schemes.

While height can be an advantage for cornerbacks in certain situations, Jerome Burnett's success story demonstrates that it is not the defining factor. His exceptional skills, combined with his determination and hard work, enabled him to overcome any perceived physical limitations and excel as a cornerback in the NFL.

6. Weight

Jerome Burnett's weight of 185 lb (84 kg) was a significant factor in his success as a cornerback in the NFL. Maintaining a lean and muscular physique allowed him to excel in various aspects of his position.

Burnett's weight-to-strength ratio contributed to his exceptional agility and quickness on the field. His ability to change direction swiftly and accelerate rapidly was crucial for keeping up with speedy wide receivers and staying in coverage. Additionally, his strong lower body, supported by his weight, enabled him to generate explosive bursts of speed, essential for covering ground and making tackles.

Furthermore, Burnett's weight allowed him to be physical at the line of scrimmage. He could effectively jam receivers and disrupt their routes, using his strength to gain leverage and redirect them off their intended paths. His ability to control receivers at the point of attack was a valuable asset to his teams' defensive schemes.While weight can vary among cornerbacks, Jerome Burnett's weight of 185 lb (84 kg) was an integral component of his success. It contributed to his agility, quickness, and physicality, enabling him to excel in coverage and make significant contributions to his teams' defensive efforts.

FAQs about Jerome Burnett

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Jerome Burnett, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What position did Jerome Burnett play in the NFL?

Jerome Burnett played the position of cornerback in the NFL.

Question 2: Which NFL teams did Jerome Burnett play for?

Jerome Burnett played for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins during his NFL career.

Question 3: When was Jerome Burnett drafted into the NFL?

Jerome Burnett was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Question 4: What are some of Jerome Burnett's notable achievements in college football?

While playing for West Virginia University, Jerome Burnett was named a two-time All-American and received All-Big East honors.

Question 5: What is Jerome Burnett's current role in football?

Jerome Burnett is currently the defensive backs coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Jerome Burnett's football career, from his NFL journey to his college accomplishments and his current role in coaching.

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Conclusion on Jerome Burnett's Football Career

Jerome Burnett's journey as a football player, from his college years at West Virginia University to his professional career in the NFL, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and highlights the importance of determination and perseverance.

Throughout his six seasons in the NFL, Burnett showcased his exceptional skills as a cornerback, contributing to the defensive success of the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins. His ability to effectively cover receivers, disrupt passing plays, and make crucial tackles made him a valuable asset to each team he played for.

Burnett's success story demonstrates that physical limitations can be overcome through hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. His achievements on and off the field serve as a reminder that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.