Dustin Burns’ post-Northwestern State football journey has taken him more than 7,000 miles from his hometown of Beaumont, Texas.
His next stop will be much closer to home.
Burns, an honorable mention All-Louisiana offensive lineman while at NSU, signed a free-agent contract with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL on Monday.
“Coming back home to the States is obviously a huge plus,” Burns said. “First, the quality and competition are better. Second, my family and friends have the opportunity to see games more easily. I am really grateful for the USFL and the Showboats for this opportunity to keep playing football at such a high level.”
A Beaumont, Texas, native, Burns started 28 games at Northwestern State and earned Academic All-Southland Conference honors following his junior season of 2018.
Before joining the Showboats, Burns played the 2022 season for the Marseille Blue Stars in France’s Division 1 Elite league. He was part of Major League Football, which was scheduled to begin play Aug. 9, 2022, before the league suspended operations.
Prior to playing overseas, Burns helped the Columbus Lions reach the 2021 National Arena League championship game.
Burns will be one of two former Demons set to play in spring leagues this year as the D.C. Defenders of the XFL drafted former NSU All-American wide receiver Jazz Ferguson in November.
The Showboats, who replaced the Tampa Bay Bandits in the USFL following its rebirth in 2022, are scheduled to open their season April 15.
Photo Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
