Oren Burks

Oren Spencer Burks (born March 21, 1995) is an American football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Vanderbilt and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Early life
Burks attended South County High School in Lorton, Virginia. Rated as a 3-star prospect out of high school, Burks committed to Vanderbilt over other offers from Duke, Maryland, Boston College, and others.

College career
In a game against Kentucky during his second year, Burks intercepted 2 passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This feat caused him to become the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the week. Following his senior season, Burks was also invited to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl as an alternate.

Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers selected Burks in the third round (88th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Packers traded their fourth (101st overall) and fifth round (147th overall) picks in 2018 to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the Panthers' third round pick which they used to select Burks. Burks was the 12th linebacker drafted in 2018.

On May 17, 2018, the Packers signed Burks to a four-year, $3.43 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $820,756.

Burks entered training camp slated as a backup inside linebacker. He competed against Antonio Morrison to be a starting inside linebacker after Jake Ryan sustained a torn ACL during training camp. Burks sustained a shoulder injury during pre-game warmups before the start of the Packers' third preseason game at the Oakland Raiders and was subsequently inactive for the first two regular season games (Weeks 1–2). Head coach Mike McCarthy named Burks a backup starting inside linebacker, behind Antonio Morrison, upon his return from injury. On September 23, 2018, Burks made his professional regular season debut and recorded two combined tackles during a 31–17 loss at the Washington Redskins in Week 3. As a rookie ,he appeared in 14 games and made four starts. He had 24 total tackles (18 solo). In the 2019 season, he appeared in 12 games. He contributed on defense and special teams. In the 2020 season, he appeared in 16 games and mainly contributed on special teams while having 21 total tackles on defense. In the 2021 season, he appeared in all 17 games and made three starts. He had a half-sack and 36 total tackles (24 solo) while still contributing on special teams.

San Francisco 49ers
On March 17, 2022, Burks signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. In the 2022 season, he appeared in 17 games and started three. He finished with a half-sack, 38 total tackles, and one pass defended. In the 2023 season, he appeared in 15 games and started three. He finished with one sack, 46 total tackles, one interception, and one pass defended. He was a starter in Super Bowl LVIII for the 49ers in their 25–22 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Philadelphia Eagles
On March 19, 2024, Burks signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.