Education
Burnett attended both Carson High School (Carson, California) and Dominguez High School (Compton, California), actually graduating from Carson.
Burnett attended both Carson High School (Carson, California) and Dominguez High School (Compton, California), actually graduating from Carson.
He played college football at the University of Tennessee. He played safety and running back while helping lead his team to two consecutive playoff appearances. He went on to play for the University of Tennessee where he was switched from safety to linebacker.
In 2002, he was lost for the year after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the season opener.
In 2003, as a junior he was named honorable-mention All-Securities and Exchange Commission and along with Michael Muñoz, became the first Vols juniors since 1944 to serve as team captains. In 2004, he received first team All-Securities and Exchange Commission and All-American honors.
Burnett was also a semi-finalist for the Dick Butkus and Chuck Bednarick Awards. Dallas Cowboys
Burnett was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
He played sparingly as a rookie, after having problems with injuries in both of his knees.
He was placed on the injured reserve list on December 29, after tearing his right Anterior Cruciate Ligament during a practice. In 2006, he posted 40 tackles (29 solo), one sack, one interception and 2 forced fumbles. The next year he registered 53 tackles (46 solo), 2 passes defensed and one forced fumble.
In 2008, he finished with 38 tackles (29 solo), 2 sacks and 3 passes defensed.
During his time with the Cowboys he proved to be a quality backup (he only started 4 games), that was valuable as a coverage linebacker and special teams player. Burnett played mostly in the nickel and dime defense.
San Diego Chargers
On March 10, 2009, he signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers, looking to become a starter. He played in 11 games (7 starts), posting 66 tackles (49 solo), 2.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
The next year he started every game at inside linebacker, finishing with 95 tackles (80 solo), 6 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
Miami Dolphins
On July 29, 2011, he signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. He started every game and registered 105 tackles (second on the team) and 2.5 sacks. In 2012, he had career-highs with 110 tackles (80 solo) and 5 passes defensed.
After the team signed free agents Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe, he was released on March 12, 2013.
Oakland Raiders
Burnett signed with the Oakland Raiders on March 17, 2013. He started all 16 games at weakside linebacker, finishing with 129 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
After not being able to recover from an injured ankle he suffered in the second organized team activities session, he was waived on July 24, 2014. NFL stats
Key
General Practice: games played
COMB: combined tackles
TOTAL: total tackles
Air Service Training: assisted tackles
SACK: sacks
FF: forced fumbles
First Revision: fumble recoveries
First Revision YDS: fumble return yards
INT: interceptions
International Rectifier YDS: interception return yards
AVG International Rectifier : average interception return
Liquefied Natural Gas: longest interception return
Territorial Decoration: touchdown
Privatdozent : passes defensed.
He was a member of the 1999 Preparatory Star All-American team, a second-team All-State choice, and a member of the "Best of the West" by the Long Beach Press-Telegram.