The web of Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns is growing. And now, it’ll have a second thread connecting to Las Vegas, Nev.
As announced by the team on Wednesday night, Burns has been named a starter for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. This is now his second consecutive starting nod for the all-star festivities.
Burns is in the midst of a career year. The fourth-year pass rusher has recorded his first double-digit sack campaign—as he currently sits on 10.5 takedowns with three games to go—while also leading the team in quarterback hits (18) and tackles for a loss (14).
The Panthers also announced that punter Johnny Hekker, who is in his first season with Carolina, was named the first alternate at his position. Additionally, safety Sam Franklin and long snapper JJ Jansen have been tabbed as second alternates on special teams, cornerback Jaycee Horn as a third, center Bradley Bozeman and safety Jeremy Chinn as fourths and linebacker Shaq Thompson as a fifth.
