Kevin Burnett

Kevin Bradley Burnett (born December 24, 1982) is an American football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football at Tennessee. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft and also played for the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins.

Early years
Burnett attended both Carson High School (Carson, California) and Dominguez High School (Compton, California), actually graduating from Carson. He was a member of the 1999 Prep 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. 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 second team All-SEC and along with Michael Muñoz, became the first Vols juniors since 1944 to serve as team captains. In 2004, he received first team All-SEC 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 of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played sparingly as a rookie, after having problems with injuries in both of his knees.

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. He was Demarcus Ware backup and played mostly in the nickel and dime defense.

San Diego Chargers
In 2009 he signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers looking to become a starter. He started 7 games that year and every game in 2010.

Miami Dolphins
In 2011 he signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. Burnett has started every game during his two years with the Dolphins, recording at least 100 tackles every year, with a career high 110 tackles in 2012.

On March 12, 2013, Burnett was released by the Dolphins.

Oakland Raiders
Burnett signed with the Oakland Raiders on March 17, 2013.

Personal
Burnett is the cousin of NBA forward Amir Johnson, who currently plays for the Toronto Raptors. His brother Kaelin Burnett also plays for the Oakland Raiders.

He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, initiated Spring 2004 via Iota Beta chapter.