Next month, Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns will be participating in a charity softball game and leading his team against one led by legendary New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.
It will support a good cause, and tickets are on sale now. The game will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, which is a Burns Family Charity. The charity raises awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and supports families affected by the challenges it brings.
This cause means a lot to Burns, who has a nephew who has been diagnosed with autism. Before his nephew’s diagnosis, Burns wasn’t aware of what autism entails. So, he is trying to raise awareness for those in a similar boat.
“It means a lot,” Burns said of the charity’s cause. “My nephew was diagnosed [with autism]. That’s my brother’s child. It kind of hits home ’cause we’ve been going through a lot of those experiences, and we had no education or no knowledge [of] what autism was and what it requires.
“And talking and trying to resource and connect with people [who are] dealing with the same experiences that we were, it kind of turned into a thing of like, Okay, let’s make this community strong. Let’s bring people together because I’m sure we’re not the only ones that feel this way,” he added.
Burns knows that families need a “village” and “someone to lean on in times of need.” His charitable work has brought him to many families in need, and it’s touching for him.
How Brian Burns’ charity softball game speaks to the Giants’ camaraderie
Brad Penner-Imagn Images.
A couple of years ago, Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence participated in a similar charity softball event. Burns and other Giants players were there to support him, and many are doing the same for him.
“A good amount of my teammates are coming out and will come out, have fun; kind of like how we deal with Dex[ter Lawrence] when Dex had his [charity event]. But yeah, it is a good amount of people that’s coming,” said Burns.
This speaks volumes to how tight-knit the Giants players are. They don’t have to go to an event like this, especially in the middle of their offseason. However, Burns is appreciative and is eager to return the favor.
“You know, a lot of the guys, I’m pretty sure would rather—I wouldn’t say rather—but a lot of guys could be rehabbing, relaxing, getting their bodies right for offseason training or whatever the case may be,” he admitted. “They don’t have to be out here swinging the bat, signing autographs, and things of that nature. But having their support means a lot ’cause I’ll definitely be there for them if they [have] an event. So, you know, it’s reciprocated.”
Getting comfortable in New York City
Entering his third year in New York, Burns has grown comfortable with the Big Apple. He grew up in Florida and attended Florida State in college before spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers.
New York can take some time to adjust to, but it sounds like Burns has fully ingrained himself here, frequenting the city a “good amount” to “explore and have fun and enjoy the city and everything that it offers.”
Still, he knows New Yorkers can oftentimes get a nasty rap from others, saying, “I do know New York does get a tough reputation for how they are.” Luckily, Burns doesn’t buy it.
Brian Burns’ outlook on John Harbaugh
The Giants are entering a new era in 2026. John Harbaugh was hired as the team’s 21st head coach. During his 18 seasons coaching the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh’s teams made the playoffs 12 times. For reference, the Giants only made the playoffs four times in that stretch.
It’s going to be a change of pace for the Giants, and Burns knows it. Harbaugh is known for his “hard-nosed” defense, which is right up Burns’ alley.
That’s what stood out the most to Burns when Harbaugh was hired. He cited his “brand of football” as the biggest thing that “excites” him heading into his third season with the Giants.
“His experience speaks for itself. He’s seen every situation, [and] he’s been in the biggest moments. So, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen,” Burns explained. “I’m looking forward to seeing how he operates and picking his brain more about ball, ’cause he’s done it all.”
Turning things around in 2026
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Even though Burns had 16.5 sacks in 2025 (the second-most in the NFL), he felt the Giants fell short of expectations defensively. He is hoping that he, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter can turn things around.
However, it all starts with Lawrence and the Giants resolving their issues. They’re currently at a stalemate with their contract and trade talks. Burns just wants a resolution sooner rather than later.
“This is a line that a lot of people pray to be on, so I’m just trying to take advantage and really rush as one this year ’cause I don’t feel like we did what we were expected to do, or what we expected of ourselves last year,” Burns conceded. “I feel like we could definitely redeem ourselves this year by putting it all together.
“That definitely [starts] by getting the big fella back in the building,” he concluded.
Brian Burns’ charity softball game takes place on May 30, 2026. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased on the game’s website.
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