The Miami Dolphins signed Je’Quan Burton, a Florida native wide receiver, as an undrafted free agent on April 27.
According to the Hula Bowl social media team in November 2022, Burton “is a sure-handed wide receiver”. He performed well in his most recent Hula Bowl appearance in January, following a successful career at Florida Atlantic.
“Burton was a last-minute add, but played well in front of his hometown crowd in Orlando,” said Joe Londergan of Sports Illustrated’s “G5 Football Daily” in January. “He made several catches in the game for Team Kai. Burton had 84 catches for 1277 yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons with the Owls.”
@JeQuanBurton5 from @FAUFootball 🦉 with a big catch! He was a late addition to the roster but has impressed with speed and instincts @DraftDiamonds are found at the @Hula_Bowl🍍 pic.twitter.com/0APBfY2COq
— Jake Kernen (@Jake_Kernen) January 13, 2024
Burton’s NFL debut is the latest step in an unlikely journey for the 5-foot-10, 187-pound wide receiver. Burton began his scholastic career at FCS Southern Illinois, but did not do well, and he was forced to rebuild his career at junior college powerhouse Iowa Central.
“I feel blessed, and God leads me,” Burton told Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel in January. “There will always be trial and error, but as long as you persevere, everything is possible. My voyage was easy for me, but it may have been difficult for others.”
Je’Quan Burton Had a Rollercoaster of College Career
In 2018, he returned a 100-yard kickoff against North Dakota State for SIU, but he generally had a quiet freshman year. Burton had only 11 receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown in 2019, and his playing time did not rise despite three receptions and eight kick returns.
Burton attended Iowa Central in 2020 before moving on to Florida Atlantic University for three seasons. During his tenure with the Owls, he averaged 15.2 yards per reception and 19.3 yards per kick return, putting him on track for an NFL career.
“When they gave me the call, I was excited,” Burton said Hays of the Hula Bowl. “Being able to play in front of my family and play in front of my friends one last time … just to come out here and catch the ball and be able to show people what I can do was a great feeling.”
“They don’t say very much. “They just tell me how much they are interested and how much they like my game,” Burton said of the scouts at the game. “So I take that as a blessing and an opportunity… and that they will call my name.”
Je’Quan Burton: ‘I Just Keep on Working’
Burton did not have his name called in the draft, but the Dolphins’ UDFA acquisition offers him a chance to make the 90-man training camp roster in July. It is unclear whether he will be able to make the final 53-man roster or the practice squad.
“I focus on my work and keep my head down… What happens in the dark must come to light, so by working out and doing what I do, it would finally shine,” Burton said of the buildup to the Hula Bowl.
“I’m quite excited. Burton added, “Just to see your dreams right in your face.” “This is something I’ve been dreaming about ever since I was a kid, so to actually be living in it, going through the process is real humbling and it’s a real opportunity.”
